Thank you to No More Deaths for this article.
Part 2 of the Disappeared series: Interference with Humanitarian Aid.
In January, 2018 we released Part 2 of the Disappeared series: Interference with Humanitarian Aid. We analyzed data from our logbook, discussed the 2017 raid at our Arivaca based aid station and interviewed desert aid workers to hear about their experiences with Border Patrol. We also set up trail cameras and caught Border Patrol on camera destroying aid supplies.
Part 2 concluded “Hundreds of vandalism acts cannot be dismissed as the misguided behavior of a few bad apples. Rather, after extensive statistical analysis, we conclude that the culture and policies of the US Border Patrol as a law-enforcement agency both authorize and normalize acts of cruelty against border crossers.”
On the day of this report’s release, in a clear act of retaliation, Border Patrol agents set up surveillance around our aid station in Ajo, Arizona and conducted a warrantless search, arresting 3 people - two receiving humanitarian aid and Dr. Scott Warren, charging him with felony harboring and conspiracy. The two men receiving aid were held as material witnesses and then deported. Dr. Warren was acquitted of all charges after two federal trials.
Since the release of the report here have also been multiple raids on our humanitarian aid station, Byrd Camp, near Arivaca, Arizona. Interference with humanitarian aid is an ongoing pattern that reflects Border Patrol’s disregard for the lives of people crossing the border and their reliance on a border enforcement policy of deterrence by death.
Part 3 of Disappeared, called Left to Die: Border Patrol, Search & Rescue, and the Crisis of Disappearance
On February 3 we will be releasing Part 3 of Disappeared, called Left to Die: Border Patrol, Search & Rescue, and the Crisis of Disappearance. The report explores the discriminatory and inadequate search and rescue practices for those presumed to be undocumented in the borderlands, and the systemic interference by Border Patrol of family and community search efforts.
Keep an eye out for an invitation to our virtual press conference!
In solidarity,
The No More Deaths/No Más Muertes community
