Actually, he wouldn't, because he's got more brains than you do.
How long do you think a policy of mining the borders would last?
Say, until America gets to see CNN footage of little Jose, who just got his legs blown off, as they're eating breakfast?
Or maybe you'd prefer that it be some American citizen who gets his legs blown off, and shown on national TV? That would REALLY generate support for mining the borders.
Until the last lawyer retired rich.