Eight activists helping migrants cross brutal desert charged by US government

Rory Carroll, The Guardian, January 24, 2018

Eight humanitarian volunteers who help migrants survive desert treks have been charged with federal crimes, prompting fears of an escalating crackdown by the Trump administration.

The volunteers, all members of the Arizona-based group No More Deaths, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with a variety of offences including driving in a wilderness area, entering a wildlife refuge without a permit and abandoning property—the latter an apparent reference to leaving water, food and blankets on migrant trails. Continue reading Eight activists helping migrants cross brutal desert charged by US government →

Border Patrol agents were filmed dumping water left for migrants. Then came a “suspicious” arrest.

Amy B. Wang, Washington Post, January 24, 2018

Last Wednesday, a nonprofit group that provides humanitarian aid to migrants in the Arizona desert released a lengthy report alleging Border Patrol agents were intentionally destroying supplies left for migrants in the desert, the group said, to “condemn border crossers to suffering, death and disappearance.” Continue reading Border Patrol agents were filmed dumping water left for migrants. Then came a “suspicious” arrest. →

Group accusing US border patrol of water sabotage sees member arrested

Associated Press via The Guardian, January 22, 2018

Hours after a humanitarian group released videos showing border patrol agents kicking over water bottles left for migrants in the Arizona desert, a volunteer for the organization was arrested and charged with harboring undocumented immigrants. Continue reading Group accusing US border patrol of water sabotage sees member arrested →

After Trump’s immigration crackdown, a desert clinic tries to save lives without breaking the law

Eric Boodman, Stat, July 6, 2017

When the man walked in with fang marks on his leg, the volunteers knew the protocol: In the case of a rattlesnake bite, you call 911. But like all of the patients who end up here, his very presence in this desert clinic meant he had broken American law. Continue reading After Trump’s immigration crackdown, a desert clinic tries to save lives without breaking the law →

Arizona aid group questions Border Patrol surveillance following a raid on its camp

Ryan Devereux, The Intercept, June 17, 2017

A three-day showdown in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert between Border Patrol agents and a humanitarian group, which culminated in a raid and the arrests of four undocumented immigrants, has aid workers raising questions about government surveillance and operational practices. The arrests took place Thursday evening at a camp run by the group No More Deaths, also known as No Más Muertes, which is located on private property near the unincorporated community of Arivaca, roughly 11 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The humanitarian group said approximately 30 well-armed Border Patrol agents descended upon the location looking for “bodies” in a coordinated and alarmingly militarized operation, leaving with the four men in tow. Continue reading Arizona aid group questions Border Patrol surveillance following a raid on its camp →

“Shameful” raid on aid camp at US-Mexico border puts lives at risk, volunteers say

Tom Dart, The Guardian, June 16, 2017

Border Patrol officers have raided a humanitarian aid camp set up to give shelter and water to migrants crossing the scorching Arizona desert, in an operation that activists said puts lives at risk. Continue reading “Shameful” raid on aid camp at US-Mexico border puts lives at risk, volunteers say →

For migrants in Arizona who call 911, it’s Border Patrol on the line

Puck Lo, Al Jazeera, March 25, 2015

TUCSON, Ariz. — Ely Ortiz, 42, spends many of his weekends combing Arizona’s sprawling deserts on foot, searching for people whom 911 rescue workers didn’t, or won’t, look for: lost and distressed undocumented migrants making the perilous journey from Mexico into the United States. Continue reading Al Jazeera: “For migrants in Arizona who call 911, it’s Border Patrol on the line” →