Las Americas Reacts to Violent Shooting Against Mexican Migrant By Texas National Guard

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2023

“Over-militarizing our borders doesn't keep us safe or deter violence - in fact, it contributes to tremendous amounts of violence in our communities”

EL PASO, TEXAS – On Saturday, August 26th, a member of the National Guard at the Texas-Mexico border in El Paso shot across the Rio Grande and wounded a 37-year-old Mexican man in Ciudad Juárez. In response, Marisa Limón Garza, Executive Director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, shared the following statement:

"Once again, Abbott’s administration’s decision to double down on lethal force has led to the bloodshed of innocent people. We know that over-militarizing our borders doesn't keep us safe or deter violence - in fact, it contributes to tremendous amounts of violence in our communities. This includes the growing number of high-speed chases that result from Operation Lone Star.

“Abbott has repeatedly lied about immigrants invading our country, continues to tear families seeking safety apart at our borders and dehumanizes them to boot. We urge the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate this additional abuse perpetrated under Operation Lone Star.”