: Released during a period of high social tension regarding border security, the film was noted for its attempt at a more realistic, procedural tone compared to Bronson’s more stylized Death Wish films.

: The film features early appearances by actors such as Ed Harris (his second feature film) and Julius Carry.

: Charles Bronson plays Jeb Maynard, a veteran patrolman tracking a ruthless human smuggler responsible for a colleague's death.

: While Sam Peckinpah was never the director, he is known to have worked on the early script drafts.