Illegally crossing this...

While the feds have finally begun to crack down, others want to make it easier for migrants to illegally cross the border, or at least more comfortable.

The Brinco:

This pair of sneakers was custom designed by artist-activist Judi Werthein especially for migrant workers crossing the border between Mexico and the U.S. She distributes the sneakers for free at border towns, and uses the procedes from sales to non-workers to help support the migrants in their efforts to establish themselves in this country. The symbol of the Mexican eagle is sewn onto the side of each shoe and the American eagle engraved on the quarter dollar is sewn onto the toe. The shoe's insole is printed with a map of the border region, and a compass and mini-flashlight allow the wearer to navigate the terrain night and day. Every pair of these self-conscious and consciousness-raising multiples is embroidered with a full disclosure of their manufacturing conditions: "this product was manufactured in China under a minimum wage of $42 US a month working 12 hour days.

The shoes retail at $215 a pair, but designer and legal immigrant Judi Werthien gave away 50 pairs at a migrant shelter, then waved the insole and pointed to Interstate 8, the main road between San Diego and Phoenix.

This blue line is where you want to go," Werthein, 38, said in Spanish.

Good luck! You're all very courageous," she told the cheering crowd of about 50 men huddled in a recreation room after dinner.

"God bless you!" several cried back.

And God Bless the California Border Police.

h/t Steel