During his illustrious career, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has driven a wall through the borderlands, thrown out the laws that protect us, imprisoned immigrant families, and set a new low in the response to Hurricane Katrina. Join us on January 10th as we celebrate his long-awaited exit!
Retirement Cake! Music! Games! Puppets! Raffle!
Galeria 409 is located at 409 E. 13th Street, between Levee and Elizabeth, a block from the Gateway Bridge and spitting distance from the coming border wall in Brownsville, Texas. Contact noborderwall@yahoo.com for more information.
Hosted by No Border Wall and Galeria 409
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
March Against the Border Wall in San Diego December 7
MARCH OF SILENCE
December 7th, 2008
12 noon
Starts at: Hollister St. & Tocayo Ave.
San Diego, CA 9215
Organized by the Raza Rights Coalition
With a cacophony of sounds heavy machinery opens way for the installation of the wall of death in the last corner of the open wound, the US-Mexico border. A place where ancestral lands meet the Pacific Ocean, a place where families come together, couples come to celebrate their love, regardless of the walls, regardless of disruptive destruction going on around them.
Using the dictatorial powers given to them, the Department of Homeland Security has chosen to disregard any civil rights, and has chosen to ignore the law. This has created a constitutional limbo at the border, where the government has imposed itself and destruction takes place.
Long has been the martyrdom of this border, there have been many deaths, and multiple abuses committed against our communities. We have carried with this tremendous burden always, from here, from this forgotten corner of the earth, we have held high the principles of dignity, justice, and liberty These concepts have come under attack by the laws that those in power have imposed, but that we have revindicated, and continue to struggle to defend them to make them a reality.
Friendship Park, a spectator in the horrifying reality of the border, where sea and wall meet, continues to be the place where for decades has been a meeting place for our people, to laugh, to sing, to meditate, to cry, to celebrate, to listen, to love, to play, and to believe that another world is possible. The government seeks to destroy this.
The Raza Rights Coalition, today makes the call to our people, to students, to the youth, to the intellectuals, to artitsts, to those who fight for environmental rights, to the working class, to religious people, to all those of us who live on this border, to all those who continue believing in that other world, to unite forces, to fight, to march with us to save Friendship Park and way NO! To the wall of death.
This time we will march in silence, so that our silence breaks the discord of the destruction of this place by the government, that imposes multi-million dollar walls, walls of death in our community. For those from above that impose, remember that the power of silence is not where its headed, but where its coming from. Our silence works to open the lines of communication, so that never a day goes again where someone dares say that the horror that is this border is justified, that it is a necessary evil, and that it is for our security.
No one can give us a voice, a stranger's voice does not belong in our throats. We are not those without a voice, we are those who have fought so our people do not have to live in shame, we are those who will place ears on those who have refused to listen to us, and our silence will me much louder than the horrifying one coming from the mechanized wall of death.
Let us struggle now, for change belongs to all of us, we are the change. Let us struggle now because this wall will come rumbling down.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Come to El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Before the Border Wall Cuts It Off From The Rio Grande
Saturday 15 Nov, 11 AM to 3 PM.
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosque.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever.
Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosque.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosque.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever.
Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosque.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
NO Border Wall of Death! Protest November 7 in San Antonio, Texas
Sponsored by the Southwest Workers Union
NO Border Wall of Death!
Protest Nov 7th Friday Noon
Federal Building in San Antonio, Texas
Contact: Ruben Solis 210 378 5699 cell
San Antonio-
November 9th will be forever connected with the ‘fall’ of the Berlin Wall dividing Germany and dividing the East from the West. Protests are being held simultaneously in San Antonio, TX, El Paso, TX, and San Diego, California.
Southwest Workers Union is organizing a protest against the Border Wall of Death on Friday the 7th of November at 12:00 noon to mark the date when the Berlin Wall came down. According to Ruben Solis, “If the Berlin Wall came down then so can the Border Wall of Death”.
Che Lopez, organizer with SWU said it like this “The Bush administration has been a dismal failure, the War, the Economy and the environment so if you link the Border Wall to these failures you will conclude that this is yet but another Bush failure”. According to documentation by the Immigration office of the American Friends Service Committee in San Diego, California, over 4,000 people with names and last names have died crossing the border since 1994 in the California region alone. Today border-wide it is calculated that immigration and border patrol policies have directly lead to approximately 7,000 deaths on the US-Mexico border.
NO Border Wall of Death!
Protest Nov 7th Friday Noon
Federal Building in San Antonio, Texas
Contact: Ruben Solis 210 378 5699 cell
San Antonio-
November 9th will be forever connected with the ‘fall’ of the Berlin Wall dividing Germany and dividing the East from the West. Protests are being held simultaneously in San Antonio, TX, El Paso, TX, and San Diego, California.
Southwest Workers Union is organizing a protest against the Border Wall of Death on Friday the 7th of November at 12:00 noon to mark the date when the Berlin Wall came down. According to Ruben Solis, “If the Berlin Wall came down then so can the Border Wall of Death”.
Che Lopez, organizer with SWU said it like this “The Bush administration has been a dismal failure, the War, the Economy and the environment so if you link the Border Wall to these failures you will conclude that this is yet but another Bush failure”. According to documentation by the Immigration office of the American Friends Service Committee in San Diego, California, over 4,000 people with names and last names have died crossing the border since 1994 in the California region alone. Today border-wide it is calculated that immigration and border patrol policies have directly lead to approximately 7,000 deaths on the US-Mexico border.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Saturday November 15 See El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands Park Before the Border Wall Changes It Forever
Saturday 15 Nov, 11 AM to 3 PM.
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosque.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever. Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosque.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
If you can help with planning or during this event please contact judy Ackerman, 915-755-7371, Cell: 703-622-0661, j.p.ackerman@ sbcglobal. net . Please share this information with all your friends.
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosque.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever. Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosque.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
If you can help with planning or during this event please contact judy Ackerman, 915-755-7371, Cell: 703-622-0661, j.p.ackerman@ sbcglobal. net . Please share this information with all your friends.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Big River Festival in South Texas - Enjoy the Rio Grande Before the Border Wall Cuts It Off!
Los Caminos del Rio is sponsoring the Big River Festival of 2008 at Anzalduas County Park south of Mission, Texas on Saturday, November 1.
Compete in an adventure race that combines kayaking, biking and other sports with mystery events!
Learn to paddle with one of Los Caminos del Rio's American Canoe Association-certified instructors.
Enjoy a nature tour of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s best ocelot habit!
Or just listen to great music while snacking on something good.
Cooking classes (teaching healthy twists to traditional Mexican cooking) will be free to the public.
A section of combined levee / border wall that is currently under construction begins behind homes in Granjeno and will end at the gates of Anzalduas County Park. Enjoy the park and the river now, before the wall is finished.
For more information and driving directions, visit the Los Caminos del Rio website: http://loscaminos.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=73
Compete in an adventure race that combines kayaking, biking and other sports with mystery events!
Learn to paddle with one of Los Caminos del Rio's American Canoe Association-certified instructors.
Enjoy a nature tour of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s best ocelot habit!
Or just listen to great music while snacking on something good.
Cooking classes (teaching healthy twists to traditional Mexican cooking) will be free to the public.
A section of combined levee / border wall that is currently under construction begins behind homes in Granjeno and will end at the gates of Anzalduas County Park. Enjoy the park and the river now, before the wall is finished.
For more information and driving directions, visit the Los Caminos del Rio website: http://loscaminos.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38&Itemid=73
Monday, October 20, 2008
Discover El Paso's Rio Bosque – Last Chance Before the Border Wall!
Saturday 15 Nov, 11 AM to 3 PM.
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosqu e.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever. Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosqu e.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
If you can help with planning or during this event please contact judy Ackerman, 915-755-7371, Cell: 703-622-0661, j.p.ackerman@ sbcglobal. net . Please share this information with all your friends.
Visit El Paso’s Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, http://www.riobosqu e.org and see the city’s largest park before the Border Wall changes it forever. Walks through the park to the site of the Border Wall will start every hour on the half hour (11:30, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30). Many local organizations will have exhibits about the local flora and fauna.
Directions from I-10: Take the Americas Ave. (Loop 375) exit (Exit 34) and head southwest towards the Zaragoza Bridge. Enter the freeway portion of Loop 375 and take it to the exit for Alameda Ave., Socorro Rd., Pan American Dr. and Zaragoza Rd. Exit to the frontage road and continue straight ahead, crossing both Alameda Ave. and Socorro Rd. At Pan American Dr., turn left. After driving approximately 1.1 mile on Pan American, you'll cross a bridge over the Playa Drain. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a second bridge, which crosses the Riverside Canal right before the gated entrance to the Jonathan Rogers and Roberto Bustamante water-treatment plants. Proceed about 2.5 miles to the Visitor Center. For a map visit http://www.riobosqu e.org
Organizations are encouraged set up a booth at this event. Contact Rick LoBello for more information, RickLLoBello@ cs.com .
If you can help with planning or during this event please contact judy Ackerman, 915-755-7371, Cell: 703-622-0661, j.p.ackerman@ sbcglobal. net . Please share this information with all your friends.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
CELEBRATE WORLD COMMUNION THROUGH THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER FENCE
Sunday, October 5, 2:30 p.m., Friendship Park.
Experience the true meaning of World Communion Sunday as we break bread together and share the cup through the border fence. See Friendship Park, the historic meeting place slated for elimination by border fence construction. Meditation for peace begins at 2:30, followed by 3 p.m. interfaith communion with U.S. and Mexican clergy. Directions: from I-5, exit West on Dairy Mart Road. Dairy Mart turns into Monument Road, which leads to Border Field State Park ($5 per vehicle on entrance). Valid U.S. identification required.
“COMUNIÓN ECUMÉNICA” EN LA LÍNEA INTERNACIONAL. Domingo, 5 de octubre, 2:30 PM, Playas de Tijuana, Parque de la Amistad.
El gobierno estadounidense planea eliminar el pasaje público al lado norte del famoso Parque de la Amistad. Por esta razón, nos vamos a reunir en la línea internacional el día 5 de octubre, lo cual se celebra como “Domingo de Comunión Mundial.” Nos reuniremos en silencio a las 2:30 PM, y a las 3 PM se dará una comunión ecuménica. Por medio de este acto sencillo y humilde ofreceremos un testimonio poderoso e impactante. ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!
Auxiliado por/Sponsored by: American Friends Service Committee; Border Angels/Angeles de la Frontera; Border Meet Up Group; Center for Justice & Reconciliation, PLNU; Foundation for Change; St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral; Sí Se Puede Immigrant Rights Organization; Sweetwater Zen Center.
¡Todos y todas son bienvenidos!
Info:
John Fanestil
Executive Director
Foundation for Change
www.foundation4change.org
(619) 692-0527
Experience the true meaning of World Communion Sunday as we break bread together and share the cup through the border fence. See Friendship Park, the historic meeting place slated for elimination by border fence construction. Meditation for peace begins at 2:30, followed by 3 p.m. interfaith communion with U.S. and Mexican clergy. Directions: from I-5, exit West on Dairy Mart Road. Dairy Mart turns into Monument Road, which leads to Border Field State Park ($5 per vehicle on entrance). Valid U.S. identification required.
“COMUNIÓN ECUMÉNICA” EN LA LÍNEA INTERNACIONAL. Domingo, 5 de octubre, 2:30 PM, Playas de Tijuana, Parque de la Amistad.
El gobierno estadounidense planea eliminar el pasaje público al lado norte del famoso Parque de la Amistad. Por esta razón, nos vamos a reunir en la línea internacional el día 5 de octubre, lo cual se celebra como “Domingo de Comunión Mundial.” Nos reuniremos en silencio a las 2:30 PM, y a las 3 PM se dará una comunión ecuménica. Por medio de este acto sencillo y humilde ofreceremos un testimonio poderoso e impactante. ¡El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!
Auxiliado por/Sponsored by: American Friends Service Committee; Border Angels/Angeles de la Frontera; Border Meet Up Group; Center for Justice & Reconciliation, PLNU; Foundation for Change; St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral; Sí Se Puede Immigrant Rights Organization; Sweetwater Zen Center.
¡Todos y todas son bienvenidos!
Info:
John Fanestil
Executive Director
Foundation for Change
www.foundation4change.org
(619) 692-0527
Monday, September 29, 2008
El Paso Protests Against the Border Wall
We have completed another week of protests against the wall at the construction site, Yarbrough and Cesar Chavez Highway (also called Border Highway).Every day, more and more border people are joining our cause. On Wednesday October 1, 2008, at 6:30 p.m., we begin our campaign "ENOUGH! EVERYBODY AGAINST THE WALL!" with a vigil ceremony at the construction site. The meeting point is the park located at Yarbrough and Cesar Chavez Highway.The vigil will be lead by representatives of many faiths. We are inviting everybody to join us. Invite your relatives, friends and co-workers. Bring your signs and candles.We also continue protesting at the construction site every day from about 7 a.m. to about 8 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ESPAÑOL
Hemos concluido una semana mas de protestas en contra del muro en el sitio de construcción, en la carretera Cesar Chavez (también conocida como Border Highway) y Yarbrough. Cada día, mas y mas gente se une a esta causa. El viernes 26 de octubre, mas de 30 personas participaron en la protesta de la tarde. Poco a poco estamos levantando un movimiento realmente de la comunidad en oposición al muro.Este miércoles 1 de octubre a las 6:30 de la tarde, empezamos nuestra campaña "YA BASTA! TOD@S CONTRA EL MURO!" con una ceremonia de vigilia en el mismo sitio de construccion. Nos juntaremos en el parque que se encuentra en la Yarbrough y carretera Cesar Chavez. Esta vigilia estará encabezada por representantes de distintas religiones. Estamos invitando a todo mundo a que nos acompañe a esta vigilia. Les pedimos además que inviten a sus familiares, amigos y colegas de trabajo. Traigan sus pancartas de protesta y velas.También continuamos protestando todos los dias en el sitio de construccion de como poco antes de las 7 a.m. a las 8 a.m. y de las 4:30 p.m. a las 6 p.m.Sientase libre de distribuir y hacerle cambios a este mensaje.For information/Para informacion hable al (915) 873-8933
Help us stop the construction of the border wall!
Currently, we have a permanent protest at the site where construction of the wall started on September 12. We are protesting at this place daily during the mornings and evenings and are committed to intensify our protests if they intensify their construction. We are confident that the construction of the wall can be stopped if we continue pressuring.
The proposed activities are:
October 1: Vigil at the construction site.October 12: Indigenous ceremony at construction site.
October 25: International Day of Action Against the Wall of Death.
October 26: Interfaith Action Against the Wall.November 2: Day of the Death at the border.
November 9: Celebration of the 19th Anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall.
November 27: No Thanks we Don't Want the Wall Day.December 18: Action for Justice for all Migrants That Died at the border.
January 1, 2009: Probable Joint Action at the border.
January 17, 2008: Human Action to Suspend the Construction of the Wall.
These are the proposed actions that still require work (and resources) for our campaign. At this point we are not making some of these actions public but we want to inform you about it to gain your support and participation. We will keep you informed of the details and developments of this campaign.
In solidarity, we send you fraternal greetings from the US-Mexico border.
Carlos Marentes
ESPAÑOL
Hemos concluido una semana mas de protestas en contra del muro en el sitio de construcción, en la carretera Cesar Chavez (también conocida como Border Highway) y Yarbrough. Cada día, mas y mas gente se une a esta causa. El viernes 26 de octubre, mas de 30 personas participaron en la protesta de la tarde. Poco a poco estamos levantando un movimiento realmente de la comunidad en oposición al muro.Este miércoles 1 de octubre a las 6:30 de la tarde, empezamos nuestra campaña "YA BASTA! TOD@S CONTRA EL MURO!" con una ceremonia de vigilia en el mismo sitio de construccion. Nos juntaremos en el parque que se encuentra en la Yarbrough y carretera Cesar Chavez. Esta vigilia estará encabezada por representantes de distintas religiones. Estamos invitando a todo mundo a que nos acompañe a esta vigilia. Les pedimos además que inviten a sus familiares, amigos y colegas de trabajo. Traigan sus pancartas de protesta y velas.También continuamos protestando todos los dias en el sitio de construccion de como poco antes de las 7 a.m. a las 8 a.m. y de las 4:30 p.m. a las 6 p.m.Sientase libre de distribuir y hacerle cambios a este mensaje.For information/Para informacion hable al (915) 873-8933
Help us stop the construction of the border wall!
Currently, we have a permanent protest at the site where construction of the wall started on September 12. We are protesting at this place daily during the mornings and evenings and are committed to intensify our protests if they intensify their construction. We are confident that the construction of the wall can be stopped if we continue pressuring.
The proposed activities are:
October 1: Vigil at the construction site.October 12: Indigenous ceremony at construction site.
October 25: International Day of Action Against the Wall of Death.
October 26: Interfaith Action Against the Wall.November 2: Day of the Death at the border.
November 9: Celebration of the 19th Anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall.
November 27: No Thanks we Don't Want the Wall Day.December 18: Action for Justice for all Migrants That Died at the border.
January 1, 2009: Probable Joint Action at the border.
January 17, 2008: Human Action to Suspend the Construction of the Wall.
These are the proposed actions that still require work (and resources) for our campaign. At this point we are not making some of these actions public but we want to inform you about it to gain your support and participation. We will keep you informed of the details and developments of this campaign.
In solidarity, we send you fraternal greetings from the US-Mexico border.
Carlos Marentes
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
National Campaign Against the Border Wall: Activist Kits Available
No Border Wall Coalition has developed two national campaigns designed to amplify the anti-wall message during the presidential campaign season. (See below for details.) We hope that these projects can help diverse groups and individuals unite and build a strong national movement against the border wall ahead of the new Congress and new administration.
We would appreciate your help publicizing and distributing materials and facilitating these initiatives. If you are interested, we can send you a kit that includes a slideshow presentation CD, project worksheets, and a border wall factsheet. The slideshow is a 12 minute overview of the border wall issue and covers the entire southern border. Please request materials from noborderwall@yahoo.com.
Here are descriptions of the campaigns:
National Letter Writing Campaign: This campaign is targeted to those groups working outside of the border region or to border groups for which the wall has not been a central focus. It consists of a Letter-Writing Campaign Kit, which we will send upon request. The kit contains a 12-minute slide presentation which is an overview of the damages that border walls cause or will cause and features compelling photos from all along the border (thanks to many of you), a factsheet, and a letter-writing worksheet. The ideal use for the kit is for groups to set aside 45 min to 1 hour in their meeting program to view the slideshow, discuss the issue and write letters to their US senators.
Border Wall Documentation Project: This campaign is designed to bring together all of the activist groups and individuals along the border for a single mission: to document the negative impacts of the border wall and border wall construction, as well as the abuse, neglect and incompetence of DHS, CBP and Border Patrol in its implementation of the border wall project. It calls upon border residents to bear witness to the destruction caused by the border wall and the abuse perpetrated by DHS and to report the destruction and abuse to Congress. Many border residents were able to document the potential damage of the border wall in their areas during the Environmental Impact Statement process. However, now that Chertoff has waived the laws, there is no longer any official process through which damages will be documented. What we would like to do with the border wall documentation project is reinstate such a process border-wide and compile documents for use in anti-wall lobbying efforts, Congressional hearings and lawsuits. If we get a good response, we might also be able to assemble an online database which could be useful well into the future, even in future efforts to bring down existing walls. Joining together for such an important project will also help us all get to know one another and other sympathetic border groups, create solidarity, and give us an opportunity to speak with one voice.
We would appreciate your help publicizing and distributing materials and facilitating these initiatives. If you are interested, we can send you a kit that includes a slideshow presentation CD, project worksheets, and a border wall factsheet. The slideshow is a 12 minute overview of the border wall issue and covers the entire southern border. Please request materials from noborderwall@yahoo.com.
Here are descriptions of the campaigns:
National Letter Writing Campaign: This campaign is targeted to those groups working outside of the border region or to border groups for which the wall has not been a central focus. It consists of a Letter-Writing Campaign Kit, which we will send upon request. The kit contains a 12-minute slide presentation which is an overview of the damages that border walls cause or will cause and features compelling photos from all along the border (thanks to many of you), a factsheet, and a letter-writing worksheet. The ideal use for the kit is for groups to set aside 45 min to 1 hour in their meeting program to view the slideshow, discuss the issue and write letters to their US senators.
Border Wall Documentation Project: This campaign is designed to bring together all of the activist groups and individuals along the border for a single mission: to document the negative impacts of the border wall and border wall construction, as well as the abuse, neglect and incompetence of DHS, CBP and Border Patrol in its implementation of the border wall project. It calls upon border residents to bear witness to the destruction caused by the border wall and the abuse perpetrated by DHS and to report the destruction and abuse to Congress. Many border residents were able to document the potential damage of the border wall in their areas during the Environmental Impact Statement process. However, now that Chertoff has waived the laws, there is no longer any official process through which damages will be documented. What we would like to do with the border wall documentation project is reinstate such a process border-wide and compile documents for use in anti-wall lobbying efforts, Congressional hearings and lawsuits. If we get a good response, we might also be able to assemble an online database which could be useful well into the future, even in future efforts to bring down existing walls. Joining together for such an important project will also help us all get to know one another and other sympathetic border groups, create solidarity, and give us an opportunity to speak with one voice.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Border Ambassadors Sponsors March from Fort Hancock to El Paso August 27 - 31
Join the border people’s march to stop the building of the wall, August 27-31, 2008. Wednesday 27: Cultural event to start the march at 6 p.m., Fort Hancock.
Thursday 28: March to Alamo Alto.
Friday 29: March to Fabens with a community event in Tornillo.
Saturday 30: March to Socorro with a community event in San Elizario.
Sunday 31: March from Ysleta del Sur to El Paso.
A major disaster for wildlife and parks along the U.S.--Mexico border may soon become reality if concerned citizens can not rally enough support to stop the construction of 700 mile fence. On April 1, for the fourth time in the past 2 years, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff used his authority to waive more than 30 environmental laws to expedite building 370 miles worth of new fencing along the U.S. Mexico border, including 57 miles of continuous wire mesh fencing and 21 miles of high-powered lighting from El Paso downstream along the Rio Grande. Being faced with growing and unexpectedly fierce opposition, DHS is cutting every corner in an attempt to complete 700 miles worth of fencing before the Bush Administration is out of office.
If DHS moves forward with fence construction before proper environmental analysis is completed, there will be serious impacts to wildlife and their habitats in the borderland region, including areas such as the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Big Bend National Park, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge, and the Rio Grande near El Paso. Within these areas live a number of endangered and threatened species, including jaguar, Mexican black bear, ocelot, Gila monster, and Sonoran pronghorn. The Rio Grande is an extraordinarily important area for wildlife in the Chihuahuan Desert, and an important migratory flyway for birds. The proposed fence will block wildlife access and passage, and the proposed lights could adversely affect migratory birds.
We can't allow the DHS to continue down this path. We need a comprehensive approach to border security that addresses root causes, is effective, and does not cause harm to border wildlife and ecosystems.
Unfortunately, Congress is not likely to act in this election year without significant outside pressure. This is a states' rights issue as much as an environmental one. That's why we are calling on our members who live in border states to contact their governors.
Thursday 28: March to Alamo Alto.
Friday 29: March to Fabens with a community event in Tornillo.
Saturday 30: March to Socorro with a community event in San Elizario.
Sunday 31: March from Ysleta del Sur to El Paso.
A major disaster for wildlife and parks along the U.S.--Mexico border may soon become reality if concerned citizens can not rally enough support to stop the construction of 700 mile fence. On April 1, for the fourth time in the past 2 years, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff used his authority to waive more than 30 environmental laws to expedite building 370 miles worth of new fencing along the U.S. Mexico border, including 57 miles of continuous wire mesh fencing and 21 miles of high-powered lighting from El Paso downstream along the Rio Grande. Being faced with growing and unexpectedly fierce opposition, DHS is cutting every corner in an attempt to complete 700 miles worth of fencing before the Bush Administration is out of office.
If DHS moves forward with fence construction before proper environmental analysis is completed, there will be serious impacts to wildlife and their habitats in the borderland region, including areas such as the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, Big Bend National Park, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge, and the Rio Grande near El Paso. Within these areas live a number of endangered and threatened species, including jaguar, Mexican black bear, ocelot, Gila monster, and Sonoran pronghorn. The Rio Grande is an extraordinarily important area for wildlife in the Chihuahuan Desert, and an important migratory flyway for birds. The proposed fence will block wildlife access and passage, and the proposed lights could adversely affect migratory birds.
We can't allow the DHS to continue down this path. We need a comprehensive approach to border security that addresses root causes, is effective, and does not cause harm to border wildlife and ecosystems.
Unfortunately, Congress is not likely to act in this election year without significant outside pressure. This is a states' rights issue as much as an environmental one. That's why we are calling on our members who live in border states to contact their governors.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Communion served through the border fence Sundays at Friendship Park
Ever since I became a fan of Friendship Park, I’d heard stories about its official dedication as a California State Park in August, 1971, at which then-First Lady Pat Nixon presided. Some stories had her asking that the fence be cut so she could greet the Mexican children on the other side; others had her speaking openly about her wishes that someday there would be no fence at all.
I’ve refrained from spreading this story too widely, because I didn’t have good corroboration of it … until now. Visit the link below to read the remarkable story and SEE PHOTOS OF PATRICIA NIXON REACHING THROUGH WHAT WAS THEN A SIMPLE, BARBED-WIRE FENCE.
I never thought I’d say it, but I find myself following in Pat Nixon’s footsteps. I’m not planning on cutting the fence, mind you, but at 3 p.m. this Sunday – and at 3 p.m. on every Sunday until further notice – I plan to serve communion through the fence to anyone who wants to receive it. You are always welcome to join me. Just remember to bring $5 for vehicle admission to the park and papers documenting your citizenship or residency.
Here’s the link to the Pat Nixon story: http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=555f6a6f5b0c8684b9e0451c9d85f5b1.
DirectionsFrom I-5 Exit West on Dairy Mart Road /Dairy Mart Road turns into Monument Road /
Follow Monument Road to Park Entrance /
Follow road inside park to Friendship Plaza, overlooking the beach
IMPORTANTAdmission to park is $5 per vehicle.Valid U.S. identification may be required.Expired car registration may be subject to fine.
John Fanestil
Executive Director
Foundation for Change
www.foundation4change.org
(619) 692-0527
I’ve refrained from spreading this story too widely, because I didn’t have good corroboration of it … until now. Visit the link below to read the remarkable story and SEE PHOTOS OF PATRICIA NIXON REACHING THROUGH WHAT WAS THEN A SIMPLE, BARBED-WIRE FENCE.
I never thought I’d say it, but I find myself following in Pat Nixon’s footsteps. I’m not planning on cutting the fence, mind you, but at 3 p.m. this Sunday – and at 3 p.m. on every Sunday until further notice – I plan to serve communion through the fence to anyone who wants to receive it. You are always welcome to join me. Just remember to bring $5 for vehicle admission to the park and papers documenting your citizenship or residency.
Here’s the link to the Pat Nixon story: http://news.newamericamedia.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=555f6a6f5b0c8684b9e0451c9d85f5b1.
DirectionsFrom I-5 Exit West on Dairy Mart Road /Dairy Mart Road turns into Monument Road /
Follow Monument Road to Park Entrance /
Follow road inside park to Friendship Plaza, overlooking the beach
IMPORTANTAdmission to park is $5 per vehicle.Valid U.S. identification may be required.Expired car registration may be subject to fine.
John Fanestil
Executive Director
Foundation for Change
www.foundation4change.org
(619) 692-0527
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Encuentro Nical Tlaca in El Calaboz, Texas August 16
Encuentro Nical Tlaca in El Calaboz, Texas August 16
A Gathering among people of this Land.
Danza, Celebration, Refreshments,
Papel Picado Workshop, and the
breaking of our already famous wall piñata.
Papel Picado Workshop, and the
breaking of our already famous wall piñata.
We claim our land, it was given to us by our ancestors, it is our land, no barriers between our people, we will fight the wall of shame until the end.
At Eloisa's Land, in el Calaboz, 23352 W Us Highway 281 (look for green balloons)
from 5pm till dusk.
from 5pm till dusk.
For more info, please contact Ryan @ (956)203-6801 or Elizabeth @ (956)459-3205
Monday, August 11, 2008
Border Ambassadors March Opposing the Border Wall from Ft. Hancock to El Paso
Border Ambassadors is sponsoring a Peace and Unity March against the Border Wall in the Tigua region, from Fort Hancock to El Paso.
Here is a breakdown of the August 27-31protest march against the border wall.
August 27 (Wed). Kick off cultural event in Fort Hancock.August 28 (Thu). From Fort Hancock, walk to Alamo Alto. August 29 (Fri). From Alamo Alto, walk to Tornillo, hold community event. End in Fabens. August 30 (Sat).From Fabens, walk to San Elizario, hold community event. End in SanYsleta del Sur with the Tiguas community. August 31(Sun). Morning ceremony in San Ysleta del Sur .Then to El Paso. After arriving in El Paso, a bi-naional event will be held in Anapra, Chihuahua and Sundland Park, NM.
It was not many years ago that we called an "iron curtain" something immoral and inhumane, something that only cruel and hateful people would do to their fellow man, a product of a totalitarian enemy. So, from the Pacific Coast to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, from both sides of the border we invite all citizens of good will, organizations, faiths and media to join us in this peaceful and united protest against the border wall.
We can show solidarity in many ways. Join the march, forward this information, donate to the event, post the event on blogs, and encourage the media to not allow such an historic event to be suppressed at the national level. So, please feel free to join us and liberally share this information with others. In solidarity against the border wall.
For more information contact
Jay J. Johnson-Castro, Sr.
(830)768-0768
(830)734-8636 (cell)
jay@villadelrio.com
http://www.borderambassadors.com/
Here is a breakdown of the August 27-31protest march against the border wall.
August 27 (Wed). Kick off cultural event in Fort Hancock.August 28 (Thu). From Fort Hancock, walk to Alamo Alto. August 29 (Fri). From Alamo Alto, walk to Tornillo, hold community event. End in Fabens. August 30 (Sat).From Fabens, walk to San Elizario, hold community event. End in SanYsleta del Sur with the Tiguas community. August 31(Sun). Morning ceremony in San Ysleta del Sur .Then to El Paso. After arriving in El Paso, a bi-naional event will be held in Anapra, Chihuahua and Sundland Park, NM.
It was not many years ago that we called an "iron curtain" something immoral and inhumane, something that only cruel and hateful people would do to their fellow man, a product of a totalitarian enemy. So, from the Pacific Coast to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, from both sides of the border we invite all citizens of good will, organizations, faiths and media to join us in this peaceful and united protest against the border wall.
We can show solidarity in many ways. Join the march, forward this information, donate to the event, post the event on blogs, and encourage the media to not allow such an historic event to be suppressed at the national level. So, please feel free to join us and liberally share this information with others. In solidarity against the border wall.
For more information contact
Jay J. Johnson-Castro, Sr.
(830)768-0768
(830)734-8636 (cell)
jay@villadelrio.com
http://www.borderambassadors.com/
Friday, July 18, 2008
Save San Diego's Friendship Park from the Border Wall
Friends and allies of the No Border Wall Coalition are sponsoring the following event:
The Department of Homeland Security plans to erect a triple fence across Friendship Park, where the international boundary meets the Pacific Ocean. Friends and families from San Diego and Tijuana have gathered for generations at this historic meeting place.Construction inside the Park begins the first week in August.
You are invited to an Ecumenical Gathering to
Save Friendship Park
Sunday, August 3, 2 p.m.
Save Friendship Park
Sunday, August 3, 2 p.m.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to erect a triple fence across Friendship Park, where the international boundary meets the Pacific Ocean. Friends and families from San Diego and Tijuana have gathered for generations at this historic meeting place.Construction inside the Park begins the first week in August.
To express our opposition to the proposed construction, and to lament the ongoing militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border, we will gather at Friendship Park on Sunday, August 3 at 2 p.m. Religious attire and symbols are encouraged.All faith traditions are welcome at this ecumenical gathering. All will be invited to share in friendship, prayer and communion.
Religious leaders please RSVP to:Rosemary Johnston, rjohnston@interfait hshelter. org, 619-384-6852
Sunday, July 13, 2008
University of Texas at El Paso to host Community Forum on the Border Fence / Wall
The University of Texas at El Paso will coordinate a campus-community forum about the border fence/wall from 10 am until noon, Tuesday, July 15 in the Union Cinema, Union Building East, First Floor.
UTEP faculty member Josiah Heyman, professor of anthropology, will moderate the forum.
Panelists include Veronica Escobar, El Paso County Commissioner; Fernando Garcia, director of the Border Network for Human Rights; and Chief Victor Manjarrez, Jr. from the El Paso Border Patrol Sector. John Sproul, program coordinator/manager of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, Center for Environmental Resource Management, has been invited to join the panel.
"It is of vital importance to our community that we discuss the Border Bence, also called te Border Wall, in an open and civil forum," Katleen Staudt, political science professor and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at UTEP, said. "Condtruction will have huge impacts on our economy, environment, and relationship with Mexico."
Each panelist will provide brief remarks. A short question-and-answer session will cap the event.
The program is free. Parking is available in the UTEP parking garage at Sun Bowl Drive and University Avenue.
UTEP faculty member Josiah Heyman, professor of anthropology, will moderate the forum.
Panelists include Veronica Escobar, El Paso County Commissioner; Fernando Garcia, director of the Border Network for Human Rights; and Chief Victor Manjarrez, Jr. from the El Paso Border Patrol Sector. John Sproul, program coordinator/manager of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, Center for Environmental Resource Management, has been invited to join the panel.
"It is of vital importance to our community that we discuss the Border Bence, also called te Border Wall, in an open and civil forum," Katleen Staudt, political science professor and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at UTEP, said. "Condtruction will have huge impacts on our economy, environment, and relationship with Mexico."
Each panelist will provide brief remarks. A short question-and-answer session will cap the event.
The program is free. Parking is available in the UTEP parking garage at Sun Bowl Drive and University Avenue.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Protest the Border Wall July 12 at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas
What: A protest opposing the border wall at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg, Texas followed by a march on the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court
When: Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Where: Beginning at the University of Texas Pan American Student Ballroom
Saturday’s activities will begin at 5pm for a rally at the University of Texas Pan America Student Ballroom in Edinburg. Speakers will address the crowd from 5:15 until 6pm. Protesters will then march to the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court (at the corner of Closer and Cano). At the courthouse members of the community will have the opportunity to speak out against the wall. Their comments will be videotaped, and DVDs of their comments will be given to the Hidalgo County Commissioners. The County Commissioners, led by Hidalgo County Judge JD Salinas, have agreed to incorporate the border wall into the county’s flood control levees.
Initiated by the No Border Wall Coalition, the protest is meant to raise local and national awareness of the vast opposition to the wall because of its potential to divide border communities, destroy homes and farms, devastate unique ecosystems, damage border economies, and undermine our flood control levees. Also of concern is the impact the wall will have on the border area’s relationship with Mexico. Many view the wall as racist, as no wall is being built on the Canadian border.
In Hidalgo County, the border wall has been linked to levee repairs. While no one in the Valley disputes the fact that our levees need repair, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to take them over and make them into a border wall is a terrible idea. There have been no studies on the safety, effectiveness, and environmental impacts of a combined levee/ border wall.
According to the No Border Wall Coalition, repairing the levees could require only three feet of earth and caliche in many places, while the levee/wall project calls for a solid 16 foot wall of concrete, the costs of which will ultimately be borne by Valley taxpayers. Initial estimates that levee-walls would cost $5 million per mile have ballooned to $12 million per mile, with Hidalgo County paying over $200 million in construction costs rather than $48 million. Rather than flood control, repairing the levees has become a means for the Department of Homeland Security to build piecemeal walls that do not match up with the section of the levees that are in need of repair.
The costs go beyond monetary for this region. DHS has initiated condemnation proceedings against hundreds of private landowners along the border. U.S. homes, farms, ranches, and businesses lie either in the path of the wall or on land that will be behind it, cut off from the rest of this country. Along the Rio Grande, a natural border in and of itself, farmers and ranchers could be prevented from accessing irrigation water. The wall is set to go through and literally divide the campus of the University of Texas in Brownsville. Firefighters and emergency crews will have difficulty reaching homes and people on the south side of the wall. Our community will be divided, not just from Mexico, but from neighbors and from free access to the river.
The levee-border wall will also do tremendous damage to the environment of the Rio Grande Valley. The first two sections of combined levee-border wall will bisect parts of the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. They will destroy habitat that is critical to the endangered species and migratory birds that bring $125 million in ecotourism to the area each year.
When: Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Where: Beginning at the University of Texas Pan American Student Ballroom
Saturday’s activities will begin at 5pm for a rally at the University of Texas Pan America Student Ballroom in Edinburg. Speakers will address the crowd from 5:15 until 6pm. Protesters will then march to the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court (at the corner of Closer and Cano). At the courthouse members of the community will have the opportunity to speak out against the wall. Their comments will be videotaped, and DVDs of their comments will be given to the Hidalgo County Commissioners. The County Commissioners, led by Hidalgo County Judge JD Salinas, have agreed to incorporate the border wall into the county’s flood control levees.
Initiated by the No Border Wall Coalition, the protest is meant to raise local and national awareness of the vast opposition to the wall because of its potential to divide border communities, destroy homes and farms, devastate unique ecosystems, damage border economies, and undermine our flood control levees. Also of concern is the impact the wall will have on the border area’s relationship with Mexico. Many view the wall as racist, as no wall is being built on the Canadian border.
In Hidalgo County, the border wall has been linked to levee repairs. While no one in the Valley disputes the fact that our levees need repair, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to take them over and make them into a border wall is a terrible idea. There have been no studies on the safety, effectiveness, and environmental impacts of a combined levee/ border wall.
According to the No Border Wall Coalition, repairing the levees could require only three feet of earth and caliche in many places, while the levee/wall project calls for a solid 16 foot wall of concrete, the costs of which will ultimately be borne by Valley taxpayers. Initial estimates that levee-walls would cost $5 million per mile have ballooned to $12 million per mile, with Hidalgo County paying over $200 million in construction costs rather than $48 million. Rather than flood control, repairing the levees has become a means for the Department of Homeland Security to build piecemeal walls that do not match up with the section of the levees that are in need of repair.
The costs go beyond monetary for this region. DHS has initiated condemnation proceedings against hundreds of private landowners along the border. U.S. homes, farms, ranches, and businesses lie either in the path of the wall or on land that will be behind it, cut off from the rest of this country. Along the Rio Grande, a natural border in and of itself, farmers and ranchers could be prevented from accessing irrigation water. The wall is set to go through and literally divide the campus of the University of Texas in Brownsville. Firefighters and emergency crews will have difficulty reaching homes and people on the south side of the wall. Our community will be divided, not just from Mexico, but from neighbors and from free access to the river.
The levee-border wall will also do tremendous damage to the environment of the Rio Grande Valley. The first two sections of combined levee-border wall will bisect parts of the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. They will destroy habitat that is critical to the endangered species and migratory birds that bring $125 million in ecotourism to the area each year.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Community Forum Against the Border Wall in Weslaco, Texas June 26
Thursday, June 26
7:00 pm
South Texas College, WeslacoBuilding G
Weslaco, Texas
Speakers include:
Meredith Linsky: Immigration attorney in Harlingen specializing in deportation defenseMartin Hagne: Environmental advocate, Executive Director of the Valley Nature Center
Disregarding all opposition, the Department of Homeland Security plans to begin construction of the Border Wall in Hidalgo County on July 25, 2008. Immigrant rights activists, environmentalists, labor rights fighters, and other concerned citizens who believe in human rights are planning this forum to educate, discuss and, most importantly, build opposition to the border wall, which is against the will and interests of the people of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Border Wall is immoral, racist, repressive, and threatens the natural environment for people and wildlife. It also threatens the cultural environment; the militarization of the border has social implications throughout the United States and internationally. The choice to begin rapid construction on the Wall and to waive environmental and all other legal protections, potentially weakens the structural integrity of the regional levee system during hurricane season, threatening to create a Hurricane Katrina-type catastrophe. We are holding this forum in conjunction with a series of public rallies and events to broaden opposition to the Wall. This will allow the community to become better informed about the real stakes in this struggle, to hold our elected officials and so-called “representatives” accountable, and to allow a public arena for discussion, debate, outrage and planning action. Come to the forum and share your ideas, opinions, questions, and thoughts.
For more information, call (956)246-8193 or e-mail standinsolidarity@yahoo.com.
7:00 pm
South Texas College, WeslacoBuilding G
Weslaco, Texas
Speakers include:
Meredith Linsky: Immigration attorney in Harlingen specializing in deportation defenseMartin Hagne: Environmental advocate, Executive Director of the Valley Nature Center
Disregarding all opposition, the Department of Homeland Security plans to begin construction of the Border Wall in Hidalgo County on July 25, 2008. Immigrant rights activists, environmentalists, labor rights fighters, and other concerned citizens who believe in human rights are planning this forum to educate, discuss and, most importantly, build opposition to the border wall, which is against the will and interests of the people of the Rio Grande Valley.
The Border Wall is immoral, racist, repressive, and threatens the natural environment for people and wildlife. It also threatens the cultural environment; the militarization of the border has social implications throughout the United States and internationally. The choice to begin rapid construction on the Wall and to waive environmental and all other legal protections, potentially weakens the structural integrity of the regional levee system during hurricane season, threatening to create a Hurricane Katrina-type catastrophe. We are holding this forum in conjunction with a series of public rallies and events to broaden opposition to the Wall. This will allow the community to become better informed about the real stakes in this struggle, to hold our elected officials and so-called “representatives” accountable, and to allow a public arena for discussion, debate, outrage and planning action. Come to the forum and share your ideas, opinions, questions, and thoughts.
For more information, call (956)246-8193 or e-mail standinsolidarity@yahoo.com.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
June 1 Vigils Opposing the Border Wall in California and Texas
Full-scale construction of new border fencing has begun in San Diego/Tijuana, and is scheduled to begin in Hidalgo this July. In response, a coalition of community-based organizations will be convening a vigil on June 1 from 3 – 5 pm at Friendship Park in San Diego where the border fence meets the Pacific Ocean; at Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park at 7:30 pm; and at Hope Park in Brownsville, Texas at 7:30 pm. These "Friendship to Hope" gatherings at either end of the 1900-mile border will serve as the vigils' symbolic anchors. The vigil is called "From Friendship To Hope – Gathering for the Future of the U.S.-Mexico Border."
San Diego, California – Friendship Park:
All people of good will are invited to a Vigil this Sunday, June 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Border Field State Park . We will gather at " Friendship Park ," a celebrated meeting place for the peoples of the San Diego/Tijuana region that is threatened by DHS plans for triple-fencing the border. Directions to Border Field State Park can be found at: http://www.bordermeetup.org/pages/directions.html
Big Bend National Park, Texas – Santa Elena Canyon:
We invite people of good will in Big Bend to gather for our local "Friendship to Hope" vigil June 1 at 7 pm. The entrance fee to BBNP is $20 per car, $10 for seniors. Carpooling is recommended. We will be gathering on the shore of the Rio Grande nearest to the parking lot at Santa Elena Canyon. Please wear appropriate walking footwear, and bring a candle and your own water/snacks. Call Adrienne Evans at (432) 371-2725 for more details.
Brownsville, Texas - Hope Park:
THE COALITION OF AMIGOS IN SOLIDARITY & ACTION (CASA) will sponsor the vigil on Sunday, June 1ST, 7:30PM at HOPE PARK IN BROWNSVILLE (E. 12th Street and E. St. Charles Street).
San Diego, California – Friendship Park:
All people of good will are invited to a Vigil this Sunday, June 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Border Field State Park . We will gather at " Friendship Park ," a celebrated meeting place for the peoples of the San Diego/Tijuana region that is threatened by DHS plans for triple-fencing the border. Directions to Border Field State Park can be found at: http://www.bordermeetup.org/pages/directions.html
Big Bend National Park, Texas – Santa Elena Canyon:
We invite people of good will in Big Bend to gather for our local "Friendship to Hope" vigil June 1 at 7 pm. The entrance fee to BBNP is $20 per car, $10 for seniors. Carpooling is recommended. We will be gathering on the shore of the Rio Grande nearest to the parking lot at Santa Elena Canyon. Please wear appropriate walking footwear, and bring a candle and your own water/snacks. Call Adrienne Evans at (432) 371-2725 for more details.
Brownsville, Texas - Hope Park:
THE COALITION OF AMIGOS IN SOLIDARITY & ACTION (CASA) will sponsor the vigil on Sunday, June 1ST, 7:30PM at HOPE PARK IN BROWNSVILLE (E. 12th Street and E. St. Charles Street).
Monday, May 19, 2008
Protest El Paso's Sham "Community Forums" on the Border Wall
Border walls are currently under construction in the El Paso sector, but the Border Patrol claims that they want to hear from the public. Just because they have no intention of making any changes to their plans apparently doesn’t mean that they are not ready to listen. According to the Border Patrol agent given the thankless task of staffing their “SBI Information Hotline” ( 1-866-215-6551 ) public comments received at “Community Forums” will be compiled in after action reports and passed along to the El Paso Sector Chief. They will NOT be released to the public or the press.
Since the public comments received at the “Community Forums” will be lost in a bureaucratic black hole, we need to make our voices heard outside these events. Protest outside and let the Border Patrol, the press, and the rest of the public know that we do not want a border wall. Make it clear that sham “Community Forums” are not enough. Let them know that asking for comments about a wall that is already under construction is a bad joke. Tell the press that this is nothing more than a cynical attempt by DHS Secretary Chertoff to pretend that there is public input so that he can get construction funds from Congressional Appropriations Committees. Send the message that we are not falling for it.
While you can carry signs and banners outside, they probably will not be allowed inside. If you choose to go in and give a comment wear a No Border Wall t-shirt. You can order one from
http://www.cafepress.com/noborderwall
and all proceeds go to the fight to stop the border wall.
Here are the times and locations for the “El Paso Sector Border Patrol SBI Community Forums”:
May 24
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chamizal National Memorial Park
800 S. San Marcial St.
May 27
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
El Paso Community College
9050 Viscount Blvd.
Administrative Services Center
May 31
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
El Paso Community College
Mission Del Campo Campus
10700 Gateway East
If you want to know what to expect inside, read the following article describing one in Arizona:
Border fence plans subject of feds' open house in Arizona
Arizona Daily Star May 14 2008
The Omnibus Spending Bill requires that DHS Secretary Chertoff convince the Appropriations Committees that he is listening to public input before they will release the funds that he needs to build the border wall. These meetings are nothing more than a cynical attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of members of Congress. Show him that we are not fooled!
Since the public comments received at the “Community Forums” will be lost in a bureaucratic black hole, we need to make our voices heard outside these events. Protest outside and let the Border Patrol, the press, and the rest of the public know that we do not want a border wall. Make it clear that sham “Community Forums” are not enough. Let them know that asking for comments about a wall that is already under construction is a bad joke. Tell the press that this is nothing more than a cynical attempt by DHS Secretary Chertoff to pretend that there is public input so that he can get construction funds from Congressional Appropriations Committees. Send the message that we are not falling for it.
While you can carry signs and banners outside, they probably will not be allowed inside. If you choose to go in and give a comment wear a No Border Wall t-shirt. You can order one from
http://www.cafepress.com/noborderwall
and all proceeds go to the fight to stop the border wall.
Here are the times and locations for the “El Paso Sector Border Patrol SBI Community Forums”:
May 24
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chamizal National Memorial Park
800 S. San Marcial St.
May 27
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
El Paso Community College
9050 Viscount Blvd.
Administrative Services Center
May 31
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
El Paso Community College
Mission Del Campo Campus
10700 Gateway East
If you want to know what to expect inside, read the following article describing one in Arizona:
Border fence plans subject of feds' open house in Arizona
Arizona Daily Star May 14 2008
The Omnibus Spending Bill requires that DHS Secretary Chertoff convince the Appropriations Committees that he is listening to public input before they will release the funds that he needs to build the border wall. These meetings are nothing more than a cynical attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of members of Congress. Show him that we are not fooled!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Big Bend Border Wall Conference in Alpine, TX - May 17th
ReViva Collective is hosting a Big Bend Border Wall Conference in Alpine, TX Saturday May 17th at the Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland, from 9:00am until 6:00pm. For more information contact ReViva Collective at revivacollective@ gmail.com or 432-837-5736.
The purpose of the Big Bend Border Wall Conference is to bring together perspectives and information about the construction of the Texas-Mexico border wall, as defined by the Secure Fence Act. Conference speakers will include Dr. Mark Saka who will be speak on the the Economic and Social Origins of Increased Mexican Migration to the United States, Border Patrol Chief John Sietana and Deputy Carry Huffman who will give a presentation on the proposed plan for the border wall in the Marfa sector, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid who will be available to advise landowners, Enrique Madrid who will present a discussion on the militarization of the border, Nat Stone who will speak on how inequitable water distribution between the United States and Mexico has compromised Mexican ranching and agriculture, and consequently reduced security on both sides of the border, and Bill Addington who will speak on environmental issues and the importance of community organization. In addition, two organized strategy planning sessions will be held along with a screening offootage documenting the history of the border wall and the people resisting it. There will also be a puppet show and a wall shaped pinata!
The purpose of the Big Bend Border Wall Conference is to bring together perspectives and information about the construction of the Texas-Mexico border wall, as defined by the Secure Fence Act. Conference speakers will include Dr. Mark Saka who will be speak on the the Economic and Social Origins of Increased Mexican Migration to the United States, Border Patrol Chief John Sietana and Deputy Carry Huffman who will give a presentation on the proposed plan for the border wall in the Marfa sector, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid who will be available to advise landowners, Enrique Madrid who will present a discussion on the militarization of the border, Nat Stone who will speak on how inequitable water distribution between the United States and Mexico has compromised Mexican ranching and agriculture, and consequently reduced security on both sides of the border, and Bill Addington who will speak on environmental issues and the importance of community organization. In addition, two organized strategy planning sessions will be held along with a screening offootage documenting the history of the border wall and the people resisting it. There will also be a puppet show and a wall shaped pinata!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Submit written testimony to the Congressional Field Hearing on the Border Wall
On April 28 a Congressional Field Hearing was held in Brownsville, Texas. Titled Walls and Waivers: Expedited Construction of the Southern Border Wall and the Collateral Impacts on Communities and the Environment, it was intended to investigate the impacts that the border wall will have on border communities if it is constructed. Brownsville Diocese Bishop Reymundo Pena, Eagle Pass Mayor Chad Foster, and many other border residents testified, explaining the damage that a border wall would cause to the assembled members of Congress. The committee will continue to accept written testimony until May 16th. This is an important opportunity to inform members of Congress, and to ensure that our voices become part of the official record. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff has announced that since he waived the National Environmental Policy Act there will be no Final Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, and it is unclear what will happen to the hundreds of public comments that they received. That makes the comments submitted to members of Congress in connection to the field hearing even more important.
Here are the guidelines for written submissions to the U.S.Congressional field hearing record. They need to be in by Friday, May 16th.
1. Head your comments with the hearing name and date: Walls and Waivers: Expedited Construction of the Southern Border Wall and the Collateral Impacts on Communities and the Environment, April 28, 2008.
2. Do not exceed 10 pages.
3. No cover page is needed, although your name, title, and the organization that you represent (if you have one), should also be stated at the beginning of your testimony.
4. Please use typed single-space letter-size (8½ x 11) white paper.
5. Send via the postal service as they are not equipped to handle mass amounts of e-mail. The mailing address is:
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
6. If you submit attachments or exhibits to your testimony please include them as separate items at the end of your testimony. If attachments are more than 10 pages (in addition to your original testimony) or on paper larger than 8½ x 11, we will not accept them for printing. Instead, you should paraphrase or quote as needed. If including charts, tables, maps, or photographs, they should be included on separate pages, not within the text of a page.
7. THINGS TO AVOID: Underlining, footnotes, capitalization of the whole document or solid blocks of text.
Here are the guidelines for written submissions to the U.S.Congressional field hearing record. They need to be in by Friday, May 16th.
1. Head your comments with the hearing name and date: Walls and Waivers: Expedited Construction of the Southern Border Wall and the Collateral Impacts on Communities and the Environment, April 28, 2008.
2. Do not exceed 10 pages.
3. No cover page is needed, although your name, title, and the organization that you represent (if you have one), should also be stated at the beginning of your testimony.
4. Please use typed single-space letter-size (8½ x 11) white paper.
5. Send via the postal service as they are not equipped to handle mass amounts of e-mail. The mailing address is:
Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
6. If you submit attachments or exhibits to your testimony please include them as separate items at the end of your testimony. If attachments are more than 10 pages (in addition to your original testimony) or on paper larger than 8½ x 11, we will not accept them for printing. Instead, you should paraphrase or quote as needed. If including charts, tables, maps, or photographs, they should be included on separate pages, not within the text of a page.
7. THINGS TO AVOID: Underlining, footnotes, capitalization of the whole document or solid blocks of text.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Write Congress to Protest Chertoff's Waiver of Laws on the Border!
Invoking the power granted by the Real ID Act to waive any law that he sees fit to build walls on the border, DHS Secretary Chertoff has suspended 36 federal laws. This allows him to begin border wall construction immediately, regardless of the damage that they will do to communities and the environment. Homes will be bulldozed, farms will be sliced in half, and endnagered species will be driven to extinction. The Real ID Act makes a mockery of the notion of the rule of law.
We must flood Congress with calls, letters, and emails demanding that they immediately repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act and rescind the waivers that Chertoff has issued.
Contact you Representative today and let them know that since they enacted the Real ID Act, it is up to them to repeal it and undo the damage. You can contact House members using the House of Representatives website:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml
Contact your US Senators and let them know that they too bear responsibility for undermining the rule of law, and must act immediately to repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act. You can contact your Senators using the Senate's website:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
The No Border Wall Coalition will be sending the following letter to members of Congress. Feel free to quote or paraphrase from it when you call or write your elected representatives.
############################
Representative,
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has “waived in their entirety” 36 federal laws along the entire United States southern border from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas. This represents an unprecedented abuse of authority on Secretary Chertoff’s part, and clearly demonstrates the need for an immediate repeal of section 102 of the Real ID Act.
Obeying the law is not voluntary, it is mandatory, and Secretary Chertoff cannot legitimately claim to be sweeping aside a host of laws on the border in defense of immigration laws. In a nation of laws all laws must be respected, not just those that are convenient.
Equal protection under the law is meant to be a fundamental right shared by every American, but the Real ID Act makes the legal rights of citizens who live near the border conditional on Secretary Chertoff’s whims. Section 102 of the Real ID Act of 2005 states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall have the authority to waive all legal requirements such Secretary, in such Secretary’s sole discretion, determines necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads under this section.” No one else is granted this extreme power under any circumstance. The President cannot waive our nation’s laws even in times of national crisis, and Secretary Chertoff cannot waive the laws that protect citizens who live away from the border. Only border residents may have their legal protections waived.
The only reason for Secretary Chertoff to waive these laws is because he knows that construction of the border wall will break them. In announcing the Real ID Act waivers Secretary Chertoff said, "Criminal activity at the border does not stop for endless debate or protracted litigation." The waivers are an admission that the border wall will itself violate these 36 federal laws, making construction of the wall a criminal act. If Chertoff is genuinely concerned with criminal activity he should ensure that the agency that he oversees complies with the law. Instead, by setting these 36 federal laws aside, Secretary Chertoff sets himself above the law.
Congress must not allow unchecked power to remain in the hands of an unelected administration appointee. As James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers, “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” Allowing one man to overrule laws passed by Congress and signed by the President for the express intent of circumventing judicial oversight is un-American.
The No Border Wall Coalition calls on Congress to repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act and restore the rule of law. The waivers already written must be rescinded so that citizens whose only offense is the location of their homes may again be afforded the full protection of all of our nation’s laws. In passing the Real ID Act Congress created this situation, and it is now up to Congress to remedy it.
We must flood Congress with calls, letters, and emails demanding that they immediately repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act and rescind the waivers that Chertoff has issued.
Contact you Representative today and let them know that since they enacted the Real ID Act, it is up to them to repeal it and undo the damage. You can contact House members using the House of Representatives website:
https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml
Contact your US Senators and let them know that they too bear responsibility for undermining the rule of law, and must act immediately to repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act. You can contact your Senators using the Senate's website:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
The No Border Wall Coalition will be sending the following letter to members of Congress. Feel free to quote or paraphrase from it when you call or write your elected representatives.
############################
Representative,
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has “waived in their entirety” 36 federal laws along the entire United States southern border from San Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas. This represents an unprecedented abuse of authority on Secretary Chertoff’s part, and clearly demonstrates the need for an immediate repeal of section 102 of the Real ID Act.
Obeying the law is not voluntary, it is mandatory, and Secretary Chertoff cannot legitimately claim to be sweeping aside a host of laws on the border in defense of immigration laws. In a nation of laws all laws must be respected, not just those that are convenient.
Equal protection under the law is meant to be a fundamental right shared by every American, but the Real ID Act makes the legal rights of citizens who live near the border conditional on Secretary Chertoff’s whims. Section 102 of the Real ID Act of 2005 states, “Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall have the authority to waive all legal requirements such Secretary, in such Secretary’s sole discretion, determines necessary to ensure expeditious construction of the barriers and roads under this section.” No one else is granted this extreme power under any circumstance. The President cannot waive our nation’s laws even in times of national crisis, and Secretary Chertoff cannot waive the laws that protect citizens who live away from the border. Only border residents may have their legal protections waived.
The only reason for Secretary Chertoff to waive these laws is because he knows that construction of the border wall will break them. In announcing the Real ID Act waivers Secretary Chertoff said, "Criminal activity at the border does not stop for endless debate or protracted litigation." The waivers are an admission that the border wall will itself violate these 36 federal laws, making construction of the wall a criminal act. If Chertoff is genuinely concerned with criminal activity he should ensure that the agency that he oversees complies with the law. Instead, by setting these 36 federal laws aside, Secretary Chertoff sets himself above the law.
Congress must not allow unchecked power to remain in the hands of an unelected administration appointee. As James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers, “The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” Allowing one man to overrule laws passed by Congress and signed by the President for the express intent of circumventing judicial oversight is un-American.
The No Border Wall Coalition calls on Congress to repeal section 102 of the Real ID Act and restore the rule of law. The waivers already written must be rescinded so that citizens whose only offense is the location of their homes may again be afforded the full protection of all of our nation’s laws. In passing the Real ID Act Congress created this situation, and it is now up to Congress to remedy it.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Join the No Border Wall Walk from March 8 to March 16
From March 8th to March 16th, marchers will follow the route of the proposed Border Wall from Roma, Texas to Brownsville, Texas. According to the Department of Homeland Security construction on this portion of the wall, which will be made up of 21 sections that will total 70 miles, will begin in the Spring.
Border Ambassadors will be walking 120 miles to protest the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and to advocate for immigration reform. This nonviolent demonstration will pass through the communities of the Rio Grande Valley which will be affected by a Border Wall. There will be transportation out to the beginning in Roma generously offered by Saint Joseph’s Academy in Brownsville, and food/lodging will be provided by local churches and community centers along the way.
Already students, teachers, professionals, and faith leaders have signed up for this walk. If you are interested in becoming a part of this social justice movement, for a mile or a day or the whole thing, please follow this link to the sign-up website at http://www.mysignup.com/noborderwallwalk
March 8- SATURDAY- Roma to Rio Grande City
March 9- SUNDAY- Rio Grande City to La Grulla
March 10-MONDAY- La Grulla to La Joya
March 11- TUESDAY- La Joya to La Lomita
March 12-WEDNESDAY- La Lomita to Las Milpas
March 13- THURSDAY- Las Milpas to Progreso
March 14- FRIDAY- Progreso to Los Indios
March 15- SATURDAY- Los Indios to Ranchito
March 16- SUNDAY- Ranchito to Brownsville
For more information go to http://smartborders.wordpress.com/walls-are-for-weather-not-neighbors/
Border Ambassadors will be walking 120 miles to protest the Secure Fence Act of 2006 and to advocate for immigration reform. This nonviolent demonstration will pass through the communities of the Rio Grande Valley which will be affected by a Border Wall. There will be transportation out to the beginning in Roma generously offered by Saint Joseph’s Academy in Brownsville, and food/lodging will be provided by local churches and community centers along the way.
Already students, teachers, professionals, and faith leaders have signed up for this walk. If you are interested in becoming a part of this social justice movement, for a mile or a day or the whole thing, please follow this link to the sign-up website at http://www.mysignup.com/noborderwallwalk
March 8- SATURDAY- Roma to Rio Grande City
March 9- SUNDAY- Rio Grande City to La Grulla
March 10-MONDAY- La Grulla to La Joya
March 11- TUESDAY- La Joya to La Lomita
March 12-WEDNESDAY- La Lomita to Las Milpas
March 13- THURSDAY- Las Milpas to Progreso
March 14- FRIDAY- Progreso to Los Indios
March 15- SATURDAY- Los Indios to Ranchito
March 16- SUNDAY- Ranchito to Brownsville
For more information go to http://smartborders.wordpress.com/walls-are-for-weather-not-neighbors/
Thursday, February 28, 2008
March 1 Laredo Texas Protest Against the Border Wall
PROTEST AGAINT THE BORDER WALL
SATURDAY
MARCH 1, 2008
LAREDO, TEXAS
8:45 AM
SAN AGUSTINE PLAZA
MARCH STARTS FROM HERE
RALLY AT THE END OF THE MARCH AT AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE
CONTACT: FABIOLA FLORES 512-619-9491 CELL
PROTESTA CONTRA EL MURO FRONTERIZO
SABADO
1 DE MARZO, 2008-02-28 LAREDO, TEXAS
8:45 AM
PLAZA SAN AGUSTINE
MARCHA SALE DE ALLI
MITIN AL FINAL DE LA MARCHA EN EL PUENTE INTERNACIONAL DE LAS AMERICAS
PARA INFO CONTACTE: FABIOLA FLORES 512-619-9491 CELL
ATENTAMENTE,
RUBEN SOLIS
SOUTHWEST WORKERS UNION
SAN ANTONIO, TX 210 378 5699 CELL
SATURDAY
MARCH 1, 2008
LAREDO, TEXAS
8:45 AM
SAN AGUSTINE PLAZA
MARCH STARTS FROM HERE
RALLY AT THE END OF THE MARCH AT AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE
CONTACT: FABIOLA FLORES 512-619-9491 CELL
PROTESTA CONTRA EL MURO FRONTERIZO
SABADO
1 DE MARZO, 2008-02-28 LAREDO, TEXAS
8:45 AM
PLAZA SAN AGUSTINE
MARCHA SALE DE ALLI
MITIN AL FINAL DE LA MARCHA EN EL PUENTE INTERNACIONAL DE LAS AMERICAS
PARA INFO CONTACTE: FABIOLA FLORES 512-619-9491 CELL
ATENTAMENTE,
RUBEN SOLIS
SOUTHWEST WORKERS UNION
SAN ANTONIO, TX 210 378 5699 CELL
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Border Ambassadors Sponsors the March For March Four
Border Ambassadors is sponsoring the March 4 March 4 to force the presidential candidates to address the issue of the border wall. Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain all voted for the Secure Fence Act, but now they are vying for the votes of south Texas residents in the March 4th primary. The March 4 March 4 is a 7-day 63-mile walk from Brownsville, Texas to La Lomita Chapel in Mission, Texas. It will start on February 25 and end on March 2 at La Lomita. Passing through El Calaboz and Granjeno, this protest walk/march is scheduled to impact the March 4 Texas primary.
MARCH 4 MARCH 4 SCHEDULE:
Feb. 25th, 10:00 AM
Begin at the University of Texas at Brownsville
Finish at FM 1421
Feb. 26th, 10:00 AM
Begin at FM 1421 and Hwy 281 intersection
Finish at FM 1429
Return to St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Calaboz for a screening of "The Ballad of Ezequiel Hernandez"
Feb. 27th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 1429
Finish FM 491
Feb. 28th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 491
Finish FM 493
Feb. 29th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 493
Finish in the community of Las Milpas
March 1, 10:00 AM
Begin in the community of las Milpas
Finish in Granjeno
March 2, 10:00 AM
Begin in Granjeno
Finish at the La Lomita Chapel, Mission, TX
For more information go to http://www.borderambassadors.com/ or call Sarah at 830-768-1100.
MARCH 4 MARCH 4 SCHEDULE:
Feb. 25th, 10:00 AM
Begin at the University of Texas at Brownsville
Finish at FM 1421
Feb. 26th, 10:00 AM
Begin at FM 1421 and Hwy 281 intersection
Finish at FM 1429
Return to St. Ignatius Catholic Church in El Calaboz for a screening of "The Ballad of Ezequiel Hernandez"
Feb. 27th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 1429
Finish FM 491
Feb. 28th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 491
Finish FM 493
Feb. 29th, 10:00 AM
Begin FM 493
Finish in the community of Las Milpas
March 1, 10:00 AM
Begin in the community of las Milpas
Finish in Granjeno
March 2, 10:00 AM
Begin in Granjeno
Finish at the La Lomita Chapel, Mission, TX
For more information go to http://www.borderambassadors.com/ or call Sarah at 830-768-1100.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Winter Texans 'Deputized' to Help Spread the Word that Texas Does Not Need a Border Wall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BORDERAMBASSADORS.com
TO "DEPUTIZE" WINTER TEXANS
McAllen, TX January 28, 2008 All Winter Texans in the Valley are invited to a `party party' at Pepe's Bar and Grill on the Rio Grande from two until five p.m. this Saturday, February 2, 2008. Jeff Reed of Pepe's and BorderAmbassadors.com are hosting the event to `deputize' attendees as BorderAmbassadors to return home and urge their friends, neighbors and relatives to stand with them and Valley residents against `the wall.' According to Reed, musical entertainment will begin as early at 1 p.m. The `party party' will include numerous door prize drawings and area politicos and citizens will answer attendees' questions about the lack of need for a Wall to separate Texas from Mexico.
BorderAmbassadors.com was founded by Jay Johnson-Castro of Del Rio to campaign against construction of the wall as well as to promote tourism and economic growth on the Border. Its membership stretches from Brownsville to El Paso and on to the California coast.
"By deputizing the Winter Texans, who love the ambiance of the Rio Grande Valley, we will have ambassadors all over the U.S. dispelling the un-truths that are being told by many of the talk show hosts and TV commentators," stated Johnson-Castro. We support the actions of our elected officials and landowners who refuse to bow to the heavy-handed tactics of the DHS," he continued. "However, this `party party' is primarily about the camaraderie that Texans enjoy with our great winter visitors."
For more information, call Sarah Boone at 830-768-1100 before 1/31/08.On or after 1/31/08, call Jay Johnson-Castro at 830-768-0768 or cell, 830-734-8636.
BORDERAMBASSADORS.com
TO "DEPUTIZE" WINTER TEXANS
McAllen, TX January 28, 2008 All Winter Texans in the Valley are invited to a `party party' at Pepe's Bar and Grill on the Rio Grande from two until five p.m. this Saturday, February 2, 2008. Jeff Reed of Pepe's and BorderAmbassadors.com are hosting the event to `deputize' attendees as BorderAmbassadors to return home and urge their friends, neighbors and relatives to stand with them and Valley residents against `the wall.' According to Reed, musical entertainment will begin as early at 1 p.m. The `party party' will include numerous door prize drawings and area politicos and citizens will answer attendees' questions about the lack of need for a Wall to separate Texas from Mexico.
BorderAmbassadors.com was founded by Jay Johnson-Castro of Del Rio to campaign against construction of the wall as well as to promote tourism and economic growth on the Border. Its membership stretches from Brownsville to El Paso and on to the California coast.
"By deputizing the Winter Texans, who love the ambiance of the Rio Grande Valley, we will have ambassadors all over the U.S. dispelling the un-truths that are being told by many of the talk show hosts and TV commentators," stated Johnson-Castro. We support the actions of our elected officials and landowners who refuse to bow to the heavy-handed tactics of the DHS," he continued. "However, this `party party' is primarily about the camaraderie that Texans enjoy with our great winter visitors."
For more information, call Sarah Boone at 830-768-1100 before 1/31/08.On or after 1/31/08, call Jay Johnson-Castro at 830-768-0768 or cell, 830-734-8636.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Submit Comments on New Border Walls in San Diego, El Paso, Tucson, Yuma, and Marfa
Ignoring the growing opposition to the construction of walls along the border, DHS Secretary Chertoff is pushing for hundreds of miles to be built in 2008. This despite the fact that Chertoff himself said back in July,
"Fencing is not the cure-all for the problem at the border. I think the fence has come to assume a certain kind of symbolic significance which should not obscure the fact that it is a much more complicated problem than putting up a fence which someone can climb over with a ladder or tunnel under with a shovel.”
Instead of searching for substantive solutions to border issues, Chertoff is plowing ahead with the hollow symbol of the wall. To quickly lay the groundwork the Department of Homeland Security has once again hired a private contractor, e2M, to sell the wall. In the past month they have issued a steady stream of reports that are intended to give the impression that the environmental and societal impacts of the wall have been thoroughly evaluated, and that the National Environmental Policy Act is being complied with. One of the requirements of NEPA is public input and openness, so brief public comment periods have been established for each sector's report. It is vital that they hear from us, as our comments will become part of the official public record. DHS has recently taken to lying to Congress and the press about the inclusion of public input into the border wall process. A flood of comments opposing the wall will make it more difficult for them to lie about public support for the border wall.
Below is the information needed to access and comment upon each of the newly released reports.
San Diego, California
4 miles will be added to the existing wall.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available at http://www.borderfencenepa.com/san-diego-sector-eis/
To submit a public comment:
Electronically through this website: SAN DIEGO SECTOR EIS COMMENT FORM
By email to: SDcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: San Diego Sector Tactical Infrastructure EIS, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
By Fax to: (757) 257-7643
The public comment period ends February 11, 2008
Also near San Diego, California
30 more miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/san-diego-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment:
By email to: SDEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: San Diego Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 5, 2008
In El Paso, Texas
24.5 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/el-paso-sector-sea/
To submit a public comment:
By email to: DSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: El Paso Sector, Deming Station, Tactical Infrastructure SEA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 16, 2008
In Tucson, Arizona
7.6 miles of new wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/tucson-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment:
Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 31, 2008 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 South Church Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701
Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
By email to: TSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Tucson Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 16, 2008.
Near Yuma, Arizona
14 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/yuma-sector-sea/
To submit a public comment:
Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 30, 2008 at the Shilo Inn Hotel, 1550 South Castle Dome Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85365, (928) 782-9511
Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
By email to: YSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Yuma Sector Tactical Infrastructure SEA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 20, 2008
Near Marfa, Texas
11 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/marfa-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment (if you missed the January 23rd protest):
Electronically through the Web site at: MARFA SECTOR EA COMMENT FORM
By email to: MScomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Marfa Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
By fax to: (757) 299-8444
The public comment period ends February 6, 2008.
"Fencing is not the cure-all for the problem at the border. I think the fence has come to assume a certain kind of symbolic significance which should not obscure the fact that it is a much more complicated problem than putting up a fence which someone can climb over with a ladder or tunnel under with a shovel.”
Instead of searching for substantive solutions to border issues, Chertoff is plowing ahead with the hollow symbol of the wall. To quickly lay the groundwork the Department of Homeland Security has once again hired a private contractor, e2M, to sell the wall. In the past month they have issued a steady stream of reports that are intended to give the impression that the environmental and societal impacts of the wall have been thoroughly evaluated, and that the National Environmental Policy Act is being complied with. One of the requirements of NEPA is public input and openness, so brief public comment periods have been established for each sector's report. It is vital that they hear from us, as our comments will become part of the official public record. DHS has recently taken to lying to Congress and the press about the inclusion of public input into the border wall process. A flood of comments opposing the wall will make it more difficult for them to lie about public support for the border wall.
Below is the information needed to access and comment upon each of the newly released reports.
San Diego, California
4 miles will be added to the existing wall.
The Draft Environmental Impact Statement is available at http://www.borderfencenepa.com/san-diego-sector-eis/
To submit a public comment:
Electronically through this website: SAN DIEGO SECTOR EIS COMMENT FORM
By email to: SDcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: San Diego Sector Tactical Infrastructure EIS, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
By Fax to: (757) 257-7643
The public comment period ends February 11, 2008
Also near San Diego, California
30 more miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/san-diego-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment:
By email to: SDEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: San Diego Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 5, 2008
In El Paso, Texas
24.5 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/el-paso-sector-sea/
To submit a public comment:
By email to: DSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: El Paso Sector, Deming Station, Tactical Infrastructure SEA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 16, 2008
In Tucson, Arizona
7.6 miles of new wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/tucson-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment:
Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 31, 2008 at the Tucson Convention Center, 260 South Church Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701
Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
By email to: TSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Tucson Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 16, 2008.
Near Yuma, Arizona
14 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/yuma-sector-sea/
To submit a public comment:
Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 30, 2008 at the Shilo Inn Hotel, 1550 South Castle Dome Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85365, (928) 782-9511
Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
By email to: YSEAcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Yuma Sector Tactical Infrastructure SEA, c/o Gulf South Research Corporation, 8081 GSRI Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70820
By Fax to: (225) 761-8077
The public comment period ends February 20, 2008
Near Marfa, Texas
11 miles of wall will be built.
The Draft Environmental assessment is available at
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/marfa-sector-ea/
To submit a public comment (if you missed the January 23rd protest):
Electronically through the Web site at: MARFA SECTOR EA COMMENT FORM
By email to: MScomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
By mail to: Marfa Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
By fax to: (757) 299-8444
The public comment period ends February 6, 2008.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Protest the Border Wall in Marfa, Texas on January 23
We invite all those in Big Bend who believe the river should unite us with Mexico and its citizens rather than dividing us to join in a press confernce and peaceful demonstration against the Border Wall on January 23, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. on the public sidewalk adjacent to the Paisano Hotel in Marfa, Texas.
Following the BIG BEND NO BORDER WALL COALITION press conference, Homeland Security will have an Open House in the Paisano Hotel which is hosted by their contracting environmental out-sourcing company.
To read the Draft Environmental Assessment on the Border Wall in Marfa, Texas, go to the website of the private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security:
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/marfa-sector-ea
Following the BIG BEND NO BORDER WALL COALITION press conference, Homeland Security will have an Open House in the Paisano Hotel which is hosted by their contracting environmental out-sourcing company.
To read the Draft Environmental Assessment on the Border Wall in Marfa, Texas, go to the website of the private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security:
http://www.borderfencenepa.com/marfa-sector-ea
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Del Rio, Texas Border Wall Public Comment Period Open Until February 5
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that 4 miles of new border wall (or border fence, or tactical infrastructure) will be built near Del Rio, Texas beginning in the Spring of 2008. A Draft Environmental Assessment has been released, and public comments will be accepted through February 5th, 2008.
The Draft Environmental Assessment for the Del Rio Sector is available for download at. http://www.borderfencenepa.com/del-rio-sector-ea/ . A paper copy may be requested as well.
You can submit a public comment on the Del Rio, Texas border wall in one of the following ways:
a) Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time on January 24, 2008 at the at the Ramada Inn-Del Rio, 2101 Veterans Boulevard, Del Rio, Texas 78840.
b) Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
c) By email to: DRcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.comd) By mail to: Del Rio Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
e) By Fax to: (757) 299-4101
When submitting comments, please include name and address, and identify comments as intended for the Del Rio Sector Draft EA.
All submitted comments are supposed to become a part of the public record. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act the Final Environmental Assessment should include responses to the public comments that are received.
In fiscal 2007 the Del Rio Sector, where there has never been a wall, saw a 45% drop in apprehensions of border crossers. In contrast, the San Diego sector, where there has been a wall for over a decade, saw a 7% increase. DHS has yet to explain the rationale for importing this failed and expensive project from San Diego to Del Rio, where they seem to be having great success without it.
It is especially important that the public comment on the Del Rio Draft EA because it is a fundamentally flawed document that in no way meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The most glaring deficiency is its description of the purpose for carrying out the proposed action. Rather than establishing national security or the reduction of illegal activity as the purpose, the Draft EA states,
“The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase border security within USBP Del Rio Sector through the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure in the form of fences, roads, and supporting technological and tactical assets.” (1.2 - 4)
The “proposed action” is described as follows:
“CBP proposes to construct, operate, and maintain tactical infrastructure consisting of primary pedestrian fence; concrete retaining wall; and associated patrol and access roads, and lights along two discrete areas of the U.S./Mexico international border in the USBP Del Rio Sector, Texas” (1.3 – 5)
If the purpose and the proposed action are one and the same - the construction, operation, and maintenance of “tactical infrastructure” - then by definition no other alternatives will be able to achieve the stated purpose. “Additional USBP Agents in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” may in fact be highly effective at preventing unauthorized entries into the United States, but because it is “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” it will never bring about the stated goal of “the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure.” The same holds true for all of the other “Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis.” In each case, the phrase “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” is attached, so by definition none will align with the stated purpose. This is a clear violation of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations.
The private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security is apparently more interested in pleasing their employer than complying with NEPA. Instead of producing misleading document with a predetermined outcome, they should go back to the drawing board and produce an unbiased assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts that the border wall will have. A project of this magnitude requires a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than a far less rigorous Environmental Assessment. In either case, the final document should provide objective information rather than a sales pitch.
It is crucial that everyone with these and other concerns about the border wall submit them in writing. The Department of Homeland Security will interpret silence as a lack of interest.
The Draft Environmental Assessment for the Del Rio Sector is available for download at. http://www.borderfencenepa.com/del-rio-sector-ea/ . A paper copy may be requested as well.
You can submit a public comment on the Del Rio, Texas border wall in one of the following ways:
a) Attend and submit comments at the public open house to be held 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time on January 24, 2008 at the at the Ramada Inn-Del Rio, 2101 Veterans Boulevard, Del Rio, Texas 78840.
b) Electronically through the Web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
c) By email to: DRcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.comd) By mail to: Del Rio Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
e) By Fax to: (757) 299-4101
When submitting comments, please include name and address, and identify comments as intended for the Del Rio Sector Draft EA.
All submitted comments are supposed to become a part of the public record. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act the Final Environmental Assessment should include responses to the public comments that are received.
In fiscal 2007 the Del Rio Sector, where there has never been a wall, saw a 45% drop in apprehensions of border crossers. In contrast, the San Diego sector, where there has been a wall for over a decade, saw a 7% increase. DHS has yet to explain the rationale for importing this failed and expensive project from San Diego to Del Rio, where they seem to be having great success without it.
It is especially important that the public comment on the Del Rio Draft EA because it is a fundamentally flawed document that in no way meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The most glaring deficiency is its description of the purpose for carrying out the proposed action. Rather than establishing national security or the reduction of illegal activity as the purpose, the Draft EA states,
“The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase border security within USBP Del Rio Sector through the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure in the form of fences, roads, and supporting technological and tactical assets.” (1.2 - 4)
The “proposed action” is described as follows:
“CBP proposes to construct, operate, and maintain tactical infrastructure consisting of primary pedestrian fence; concrete retaining wall; and associated patrol and access roads, and lights along two discrete areas of the U.S./Mexico international border in the USBP Del Rio Sector, Texas” (1.3 – 5)
If the purpose and the proposed action are one and the same - the construction, operation, and maintenance of “tactical infrastructure” - then by definition no other alternatives will be able to achieve the stated purpose. “Additional USBP Agents in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” may in fact be highly effective at preventing unauthorized entries into the United States, but because it is “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” it will never bring about the stated goal of “the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure.” The same holds true for all of the other “Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis.” In each case, the phrase “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” is attached, so by definition none will align with the stated purpose. This is a clear violation of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations.
The private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security is apparently more interested in pleasing their employer than complying with NEPA. Instead of producing misleading document with a predetermined outcome, they should go back to the drawing board and produce an unbiased assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts that the border wall will have. A project of this magnitude requires a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than a far less rigorous Environmental Assessment. In either case, the final document should provide objective information rather than a sales pitch.
It is crucial that everyone with these and other concerns about the border wall submit them in writing. The Department of Homeland Security will interpret silence as a lack of interest.
Friday, January 4, 2008
California Border Wall Public Comment Period Open Until January 24
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that 44.6 miles of new border wall (or border fence, or tactical infrastructure) will be built near Calexico, California beginning in the Spring of 2008. A Draft Environmental Assessment has been released, and public comments will be accepted through January 24th, 2008.
The Draft Environmental Assessment for the El Centro Sector is available for download at http://www.borderfencenepa.com/el-centro-sector-ea/ . A paper copy may be requested as well.
You can submit a public comment on the California border wall in one of the following ways:
(a) Attendance and submission of comments at the Pubic Open House to be held on January 9 2008 at the Imperial Valley Expo, 200 East Second Street, in Imperial, California.
(b) Electronically through the web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
(c) By email to: ECcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
(d) By mail to: El Centro Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
(e) By fax to: (757) 299-5585
When submitting comments, please include name and address, and identify comments as intended for the El Centro Sector Draft EA.
All submitted comments are supposed to become a part of the public record. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act the Final Environmental Assessment should include responses to the public comments that are received.
It is especially important that the public comment on the El Centro Draft EA because it is a fundamentally flawed document that in no way meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The most glaring deficiency is its description of the purpose for carrying out the proposed action. Rather than establishing national security or the reduction of illegal activity as the purpose, the Draft EA states,
“The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase border security within USBP El Centro Sector through the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure in the form of fences, roads, and supporting technological and tactical assets.” (ES-1)
The “proposed action” is described as follows:
“CBP proposes to construct, operate, and maintain tactical infrastructure consisting of four discrete sections of primary pedestrian fence, lighting, and roads; one section of lighting; and access roads along the U.S. / Mexico International Border in the USBP El Centro Sector, California.” (1.3 – 3)
If the purpose and the proposed action are one and the same - the construction, operation, and maintenance of “tactical infrastructure” - then by definition no other alternatives will be able to achieve the stated purpose. “Additional USBP Agents in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” (2.3.1 – 6) may in fact be highly effective at preventing unauthorized entries into the United States, but because it is “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” it will never bring about the stated goal of “the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure.” The same holds true for all of the other “Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis.” In each case, the phrase “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” is attached, so by definition none will align with the stated purpose. This is a clear violation of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations.
The private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security is apparently more interested in pleasing their employer than complying with NEPA. Instead of producing misleading document with a predetermined outcome, they should go back to the drawing board and produce an unbiased assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts that the border wall will have. A project of this magnitude requires a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than a far less rigorous Environmental Assessment. In either case, the final document should provide objective information rather than a sales pitch.
It is crucial that everyone with these and other concerns about the border wall submit them in writing. The Department of Homeland Security will interpret silence as a lack of interest.
The Draft Environmental Assessment for the El Centro Sector is available for download at http://www.borderfencenepa.com/el-centro-sector-ea/ . A paper copy may be requested as well.
You can submit a public comment on the California border wall in one of the following ways:
(a) Attendance and submission of comments at the Pubic Open House to be held on January 9 2008 at the Imperial Valley Expo, 200 East Second Street, in Imperial, California.
(b) Electronically through the web site at: http://www.borderfencenepa.com/
(c) By email to: ECcomments@BorderFenceNEPA.com
(d) By mail to: El Centro Sector Tactical Infrastructure EA, c/o e²M, 2751 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 200, Fairfax, Virginia 22031
(e) By fax to: (757) 299-5585
When submitting comments, please include name and address, and identify comments as intended for the El Centro Sector Draft EA.
All submitted comments are supposed to become a part of the public record. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act the Final Environmental Assessment should include responses to the public comments that are received.
It is especially important that the public comment on the El Centro Draft EA because it is a fundamentally flawed document that in no way meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. The most glaring deficiency is its description of the purpose for carrying out the proposed action. Rather than establishing national security or the reduction of illegal activity as the purpose, the Draft EA states,
“The purpose of the Proposed Action is to increase border security within USBP El Centro Sector through the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure in the form of fences, roads, and supporting technological and tactical assets.” (ES-1)
The “proposed action” is described as follows:
“CBP proposes to construct, operate, and maintain tactical infrastructure consisting of four discrete sections of primary pedestrian fence, lighting, and roads; one section of lighting; and access roads along the U.S. / Mexico International Border in the USBP El Centro Sector, California.” (1.3 – 3)
If the purpose and the proposed action are one and the same - the construction, operation, and maintenance of “tactical infrastructure” - then by definition no other alternatives will be able to achieve the stated purpose. “Additional USBP Agents in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” (2.3.1 – 6) may in fact be highly effective at preventing unauthorized entries into the United States, but because it is “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” it will never bring about the stated goal of “the construction, operation, and maintenance of tactical infrastructure.” The same holds true for all of the other “Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis.” In each case, the phrase “in Lieu of Tactical Infrastructure” is attached, so by definition none will align with the stated purpose. This is a clear violation of the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations.
The private contractor hired by the Department of Homeland Security is apparently more interested in pleasing their employer than complying with NEPA. Instead of producing misleading document with a predetermined outcome, they should go back to the drawing board and produce an unbiased assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts that the border wall will have. A project of this magnitude requires a full Environmental Impact Statement rather than a far less rigorous Environmental Assessment. In either case, the final document should provide objective information rather than a sales pitch.
It is crucial that everyone with these and other concerns about the border wall submit them in writing. The Department of Homeland Security will interpret silence as a lack of interest.
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