Desert Angel

Forty years ago, Rafael Larraenza took his life into his hands to cross into the US. After building a successful career and gaining citizenship, a twist of fate rocked his comfortable middle-class existence and drew him back to the border. He has since spent the last 25 years searching the deserts and mountains for immigrants in need of rescue - saving hundreds of lives and recovering the remains of those who perish attempting to cross.Now, we join Rafael at a fraught time in his quest. After decades spent on deadly terrain and in need of a double hip replacement, Rafael is unwilling to slow down — haunted by the knowledge that a few minutes can mean the difference between life and death for those lost along the border. But with every search-and-rescue he risks his own life, not knowing if and when the desert will finally claim him too.