Border Experience Supporting Migrants

Posted on December 9, 2011 by admin

by Mary Peter Bruce SL

Loretto delegation at the Nogales border, ready to cross over, all packed with medical, clothing and other supplies donated by generous community members.

The Loretto Community has traveled to the border of Arizona, U.S.A., and Mexico six times, including this year, to support migrant rights. This trip was different from previous years when the visitors went to Fort Huachuca where there were torture manuals and to the courthouse to witness a trial of migrants by the Border Patrol. This year we walked migrant trails, heard from members of organizations who help the migrants, and traveled to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, with Loretto donations.

We went to the desert to learn where immigrants travel to get from the border to Tucson. Those who are lucky can make it in three days; others spend many days lost, often without food or drink. We got to know some organizations that help the migrants: No More Deaths, BorderLinks, Sierra Club and the Southside Presbyterian Church.

We traveled to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, with our donations to El Comedor, a dining and welcome area for those who have been recently deported. Then we went to the Ministry of Immigration Affairs of the Mexican Government.

Visiting the border were Loretto members, faculty and friends from El Paso and from Nerinx Hall in St. Louis. It was an impressive three days. We learned much about the plight of the people who attempt the trip in search of work; to be reunited with family; and to find a life of freedom and friendship. Thank you for your help!