Greg Harman
BROWNSVILLE, Texas—As the number of asylum seekers crowded in a Matamoros tent camp swells across the river from Brownsville, ordinary people from a range of community aid and migrant solidarity organizations are calling for assistance. Last weekend, Deceleration met members of Team Brownsville, Angry Tias and Abuelas of the RGV, and Witness at the Border (among others) standing in opposition to the vicious Trump Administration policies rejecting en masse the families fleeing desperate conditions in their home countries.
Drawn from across the United States, these dedicated folks cross the bridge daily in an attempt to meet the basic needs of those being turned back mid-way across Gateway International Bridge. An estimated 2,500 people now in a tent camp in Matamoros, Mexico. Roughly 700 are children. Most will remain for months waiting for a date with an immigration judge with virtually no chance of being provided refuge in the United States, no matter how desperate their lives elsewhere.
“A lot of time, besides the food, keeping them alive, I think in a way they see hope that people on this side do care,” said Sergio Cordova, co-founder of Team Brownsville. “And it gives them a bit of hope, and that’s all we can do.”
Highlights from our conversations are captured in the above video. Many interviewed issued an open invitation for volunteers to join the work. For those unable to make the trip, donations of any size will be put to good use.
To support:
Angry Tias & Abuelas of the RGV
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