Border Protesters Seek End to Violence Against Migrants

Frustrated by a perceived trend toward the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border, protesters gathered Saturday at a major undocumented crossing zone in Tijuana and called for an end to violence against immigrants.

The group, which numbered more than one hundred and included many migrants waiting along the border, initiated its protest in reaction to the well-publicized “Light Up the Border Campaign” in San Diego.

The “Light Up the Border” group, which held its sixth protest Friday evening in San Diego, seeks greater enforcement along the border and has drawn considerable support.

“We want everyone to know that more lights and border patrol officers will do nothing to solve the problems of the border area, but will only make things worse, “ said Maria Erana, who helped organize Saturday’s protest.

The emergence of the protesting groups underscores the increasing division in Mexico and the United States about the thorny issue of illegal immigration, which U.S. officials say is increasing.

Saturday’s protest took place along the southern levee of the Tijuana River, in an area known as El Bordo, or the edge. The area has long been a major illegal crossing zone, and on Saturday evening, scores of migrants were amassed atop the concrete levee.

The protesters placed flowers in front of hand-crafted crosses named in honor of dozens of deceased immigrants--some shot by U.S. authorities, others killed by border thieves, and others who perished in accidents en route to the north.

While condemning alleged abuses by U.S. authorities, the protesters also criticized what they say is extensive extortion of would-be immigrants by Mexican authorities, who have long solicited bribes from those attempting to cross the border.

Saturday’s protest was the second by the Tijuana-based community group, which has criticized the “Light Up the Border Campaign” as racist and anti-immigrant.

Representatives of the “Light Up the Border” group have denied allegations of racism, contending that their aim is merely to stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling.

But to the Tijuana protesters, the solutions offered by the “Light Up the Border” activists are simplistic and shortsighted and will only result in more violence against migrants. Some protesters Saturday called for an open border, which would allow free flow between Mexico and the United States.

“All workers have a right to seek jobs across the border,” said Carmen Valadez, one of the leaders of Saturday’s protest.