Protest Over Border Patrol Shooting in El Paso

Border Network for Human Rights: Press Statement

For immediate release: Wednesday, August 9, 2007
Contact: Fernando Garcia (915) 577-0724 or (915) 204-0337

Border Patrol Shooting Deepens Violence against Immigrants in El Paso Region

El Paso, Texas. August 9, 2007- Once again, last night a Border Patrol agent shot four times and killed Jose Alejandro Ortiz Castillo, a 23-year old immigrant who was crossing the U.S./Mexico border.  This is no longer an isolated incident but a systematic violation of civil and human rights of immigrants, as well as a complete disregard and disrespect for human life.  These actions from Border Patrol agents have already jeopardized the safety and security of border residents. It is unfortunate to say that El Paso Region is fast becoming one of the most violent cities against immigrants due to the series of irrational and unaccountable shootings by federal immigration agents against immigrants trying to cross the US/Mexico border.

Less than a month ago, the Border Network for Human Rights expressed their concern about the use of lethal force to deter and detain immigrants.  At that time, at least two different incidents occurred on a one-week period. Border Network for Human Rights predicted that if the practices weren’t reviewed and a clear investigation carried out, these would evolve into a major human rights crisis.  Border Network for Human Rights submitted a formal request and asked the Border Patrol for clarification on the policies and the training received by agents on the use of lethal force in the immigration enforcement. The few answers received so far only justified their actions, by saying that agents were doing their job and that they are in constant fear of being attacked by immigrants.

While Border Network for Human Rights acknowledges that criminal activities do happen at the border and that criminal elements have dared to threaten federal agents, the vast majority of people crossing the border are indeed immigrant workers. 

But it seems no one is listening and now the crisis on the border has deepened. It seems that the Constitution of the United States it is not respected and does not apply to our border region or our border communities.  It seems that the current policy of the Border Patrol is to shoot first and investigate later. It seems that human lives are worth nothing at the U.S/Mexico border.

Today the Border Network for Human Rights and several border communities in El Paso/Southern New Mexico region insist and demand the following:

A full federal investigation on every shooting that has happened in the last six months involving Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector with the purpose of bringing justice and accountability.
For the current administration and federal immigration agencies to establish an independent federal structure to review incidents on the use of lethal force against immigrants at the US/Mexico border   
To clarify the training of Border Patrol agents or any other federal immigration agents on the use of lethal force and to put those standards and procedures to the public discussion. 
And finally we ask Border Patrol to publicly explain to our border community the reasons, motives and procedures that have resulted in this crisis in the El Paso sector.
In addition to this statement, the Border Network for Human Right and border community residents will hold a vigil this Friday August 10th 2007 at 7 pm, in front of the U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters on 8901 Montana Ave.

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