AZMEX I3 2-4-18

AZMEX I3 2 APR 2018

Note: TX, as always about illegal immigration.
Comment: Just 100 years ago, the U.S. Army had a significant presence on the border. Why Not Now?
Thx


Caravan to travel across Texas to educate immigrants on rights over 'sanctuary cities' law
Aileen B. Flores, El Paso Times
Published 7:06 a.m. MT March 31, 2018

https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/immigration/2018/03/31/togetherjuntos-caravan-educate-texas-cities-immigrants-rights-sanctuary-cities-law-sb-4/471605002/

About 30 people shouted, "No SB 4, no SB 4," as they gathered Friday morning in front of Bowie High School to launch the TogetherJuntos Caravan, which will travel across Texas to educate immigrants about their constitutional rights in the United States.

The caravan, led by the Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso and other pro-immigrant groups, is an effort to resist the enactment of Senate Bill 4, the so-called "show me your papers" or sanctuary cities law, that was upheld by a federal appeals court in March.

SB 4 requires local police to cooperate with federal immigration agents' "detainers," or requests to hold suspects who might be subject to deportation, and allows local authorities to ask people they've detained, including during routine traffic stops, about their immigration status.

"This is terrible. This comes at a time when there is a climate of persecution against immigrants, when our communities are being criminalized, at a time when 'Dreamers' are being denied the opportunity to stay in this country," said Fernando Garcia, executive director of the Border Network for Human Rights. "In addition, local police are being asked to persecute immigrant families when they are supposed to protect them."

Pro-immigrant groups on Friday launched the Together Juntos Caravan in El Paso. Aileen B. Flores/El Paso Times

Garcia said the caravan will visit communities in Texas that are being impacted by the new law. Among them are El Paso, Marfa, Presidio, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Laredo, El Cenizo, McAllen, San Juan, Rio Grande City, Harlingen, Brownsville, Falfurrias, Corpus Christi and Houston.

Garcia said the purpose is to educate the members of border communities on their constitutional rights and provide training to document abuse cases involving law enforcement.
"Immigrants should know that they don't have to let police into their house or property without a warrant, and that they don't have to answer questions related to their immigration status," Garcia said.
"You have the right to remain silent, and if arrested, you have the right not to sign any document. You have the right to request a lawyer and a hearing before a judge," he said.

More: SB 4 raises fears among undocumented immigrants

Garcia said many people don't know or don't apply their rights because they are afraid.

The Border Network for Human Rights on Friday launched the TogetherJuntos Caravan to travel across Texas to teach people how to resist Senate Bill 4, which allows local law enforcement to question people about their immigration status. (Photo: Aileen B. Flores/El Paso Times)
Senaida Navar, 25, said she joined the caravan because she wants to empower young people to learn about and defend their rights.

"Right now, we're seeing the youth rise up in the country and trying to make change from various aspects of policy. However, in order for those movements to be effective, to actually provoke that change, it's important that the youth understand their rights," she said.

During its first day, the caravan was set to visit Clint, San Elizario, Fabens, Tornillo and Fort Hancock. The caravan will end April 12 in Houston.

The one part of SB 4 still on hold while the legal battle plays out is a provision that would punish local officials for "adopting, enforcing or endorsing" policies that specifically prohibit or limit enforcement of immigration laws.

The court in its ruling focused on the meaning of "endorse." It wrote that the provision would violate the First Amendment, which allows for freedom of speech. It would have made elected and appointed officials subject to a fine, jail time and possible removal from office for violating the legislation.

Aileen B. Flores may be reached at 546-6362; aflores@elpasotimes.com; @aileenbflores on Twitter.