Five Years Since Deadly Walmart Attack, Survivors and Family Members Remain in Limbo
EL PASO, TEXAS — Tomorrow, Saturday, August 3, 2024, marks five years since an anti-immigrant and white nationalist gunman armed with an assault rifle attacked shoppers at an El Paso Walmart, killing 23 people and injuring 26 others.
Las Americas has submitted over 50 U-Visa applications for survivors and family members of those killed. However, the number of U-Visas awarded in a given year is capped at 10,000, and it can take years for qualifying immigrant victims of crime to obtain this relief. None of the survivors have received or been granted a U-Visa or any other type of relief.
Gabriela Maria* (pseudonym), a community member and survivor of the El Paso Walmart shooting, shared the following statement:
“I will never forget the face of my son Eduardito as he dragged me out of the Walmart that day. Before the attack, August 3rd was a day of celebration and love, as it was my husband's birthday. Now, it is a day filled with grief and anxiety. While I have tried to heal from this horrific attack against people like me and my children, the trauma may remain for the rest of our lives. Our community should not have a target on their backs simply for existing. I urge community leaders and elected officials to help families like mine gain peace and stability.”
Gloria Amesquita, Legal Assistant at Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, shared the following statement:
“The tragic murder of 23 people in El Paso, a result of hateful and anti-immigrant rhetoric, has forever changed our community. The lasting trauma caused by white supremacy is a daily reality for Black and brown families here and across the country. The survivors are still feeling the profound impact of this heinous attack.
We urge the federal government to do everything in its power to ensure survivors like Ana and the families of the deceased have what they need to heal. This includes removing the statutory cap on U-Visa applications or granting deferred action status to those affected so that they can receive the care they need, whether it's medical treatment or mental health support. Many of the individuals we represent have been waiting for years to receive assistance due to Congress's arbitrary limit on U-Visas.
“We also call on elected officials to refrain from repeating the dangerous rhetoric that motivated the white nationalist mass shooter. Each time they use white nationalist and anti-immigrant language, it brings us closer to another tragedy like August 3rd. Never forget, and never again.”