Deaths at the Border: Commemoration
PRESS ADVISORY
Wednesday October 31st, 2007
Press Contact:
Border Network for Human Rights: Fernando Garcia (915) 204-0337
Border Residents Remember the Hundreds of Migrants that have died during 2007 Due to Border Policy while Crossing the US/Mexico Border
The Border Network for Human Rights will hang 400 Crosses at the Border Fence and Hold a Candlelight Vigil to Ask for Policy Change
El Paso/Southern NM, October 31, 2007-. Border operations such as Hold the Line (El Paso, TX), Gatekeeper (San Diego), Safeguard (Arizona), and Rio Grande (Texas Valley) have created a crisis situation where more than one migrant dies per day, simply by crossing the US/Mexico border looking for a better life.
During the FY 2006-2007 more than 371 migrant deaths were reported along the border. Of those deaths, 25 occurred in the El Paso Sector which includes the County of El Paso and Southern New Mexico. More specific data and statistics will be provided at the Press Conference (see below).
Evidently this is a HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS at the US/Mexico border, and more specifically is of grave concern to our region. Border enforcement policies are directly responsible for these deaths. The Border Network for Human Rights believes that the number of migrant deaths occurring at the border represents a crime committed against migrant workers and their families.
The Border Network for Human Rights is, instead, seeking alternative and comprehensive solutions to the complex issues of border security and immigration, that will not result in hundred of migrant deaths along a militarized border.
On November 1st 2007, the Border Network for Human Rights and community members from the El Paso/Southern New Mexico area will hang 400 crosses in a one-mile stretch along the border fence starting near the Cordova International Bridge, carry out a Press Conference providing testimonies and data on migrant deaths and hold a community vigil remembering migrant deaths at the Chamizal National Park.
BORDER NETWORK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVITIES
ON NOVEMBER 1, 2007.
The Setting Up of 400 Crosses at the Border Fence
Starting at 10 AM at the Fence in front of the Chamizal Park
near the Cordova International Bridge
BNHR Press Conference
At 1 pm at the Chamizal Park
Entrance on Delta St, at Rear Parking Lot
A Full Report on Death at the Border will be presented
Community Candlelight Vigil
At 6 PM dozens of Community Members will gather
At the First Amendment Area of the Chamizal Park
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