Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America

Informed by his life journey, former US ambassador to Mexico, US senator, and US secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar shares his unrivaled vantage on the US-Mexico relationship, the border and migration crisis, and his belief that the diversity of our many communities and cultures is America's superpower.

Like many Mexican Americans, the Salazars have deep roots in the American Southwest. They have ranched and farmed along the banks of the Rio Grande for more than four centuries, dating back to the founding of the nation's oldest capital, Santa Fe, when the entire Southwest was part of Spain or Mexico. They have called the San Luis Valley home since the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848.

Ken's innate connection to our nation's land, water, and people led him from his family ranch to law school and ultimately to the pinnacles of power in Colorado and Washington.

Borderlands traces the relationship of the United States and Mexico from its early days to the present. Framed by Donald Trump's attacks on American diversity, Ken recounts the early conflicts between our two countries; the treaties that created our modern and broken border; the political malpractice of both major US parties where it concerns migration and the border; and the necessity to fight for an inclusive and united America.

Told through personal stories from childhood to his time in Washington and Mexico City, Ken asks us to consider:

• What does it mean to be a US citizen?
• In a nation of immigrants, who counts as an American?
• If the diversity of our many communities and cultures is America's superpower, why is it being forsaken?
• How do we catalyze a movement to preserve and strengthen our democracy--one that recognizes the richness of American diversity as our nation's enduring strength?

Borderlands is a clarion call for a different way forward, one that unites North America instead of divides it. It invites you to come and see the prairies, deserts, and mountains, and feel the history and culture of our peoples. Come and meet your neighbors. Come and witness the strength of American diversity for yourself.

Author: Ken Salazar
Publisher: Benbella Books
Published: 07/28/2026
Pages: 368
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.40lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.30w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9798902680215

About the Author
A fifth generation Coloradan, Ken Salazar's ancestors have lived in the American Southwest for more than four centuries. Ken grew up in his native San Luis Valley on the remote Salazar homestead, where his family continues to farm and ranch the same property they've owned since before Colorado became a state. Ken served as United States ambassador to Mexico from 2021 to 2025, where he led the US diplomatic mission during a pivotal time for North American relations. In this role, he repeatedly urged for decisive action to address border security, migration to the United States, climate and North American economic integration. Before serving as US ambassador to Mexico, Ken served as US secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama (2009-2013), as Colorado's 35th US senator (2005-2009), and as Colorado state attorney general (1999-2005). Ken devotes much of his time to family and ranching in the San Luis Valley. He continues to be a champion for conservation, civil rights, and an inclusive America.