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A Memorial for the Undocumented
LOS ANGELES -- Even with Mexico's president Zedillo trying to avoid the
issue of immigration, human rights activists built a monument dedicated to the
morethan 400 immigrants who have died while trying to cross the border.
The statue was placed by the metallic fence at Playas de Tijuana on the
Mexican border town so that the president would see it when he passed by
during his visit. The memorial honors those who "fell" trying to reach the
"American dream."
This event coincided with Zedillo's visit to the region, condemning his
recent comments during an interview with La Opinion in which he stated that
"neither the American or Mexican authorities are responsible for the deaths of
the immigrants."
"We don't want this issue to be ignored during the president's visit to
San Diego. Operation Guardian is a mortal strategy by the Border Patrol that
deliberately has increased the risks for the immigrants," said Claudia Smith,
an attorney and an organizer for the event.
"Avoiding the issue is a serious matter because this is a good moment in
the relationship with California," added Raul Ramirez, Director of the Center
for the Support of the Immigrant in the city of Tijuana.
Father Jesus Olivares, Director of the House of the Immigrant in Tijuana,
which assists immigrants, blessed the 17 large vinyl panels with the names of
the 395 men, women and children who died during their mission.
Members of the group read the names of those who died since the beginning
of Operation Guardian in October 1994. On the other side of the border in
Imperial Beach, a participant released hundreds of doves.
The last honored was an unidentified man who died on May 3rd. Officials
believe there may be two more victims.
Source: La Opinion
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Enrique Gili
enrique@minorities-jb.com
Hispanic American Village
http://www.minorities-jb.com/hispanic.htm
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