Warning: the letter that follows, from Angry Tias and Abuelas (one of the groups we partner with on the border) might break your heart. They are trying to fundraise rapidly to build secure shelters for migrants whose safety–and often, lives–are threatened by gangs and cartels who kidnap (for ransom, sexual exploitation, or to “recruit”)–or even kill.
This is a situation where every dollar makes a difference, and speed is essential. Click here to make your donation.
The primary author of this letter, Jennifer Harbury, has been fighting for justice for refugees for decades. Here’s what she wrote:
February 11, 2022
On behalf of the Angry Tias and Abuelas, We would like to update you on the growing migrant crisis in Reynosa, and the efforts of our NGO network to alleviate the suffering there. There are well over a thousand people in Senda de Vida now, over a hundred in Casa de Migrantes, and we believe close to 1500 more in the cheap apartments near Casa de Migrantes and Casa Lulu. There are more than two thousand in the dangerous Plaza de las Americas near the international bridge, and thousands more in the outlying areas. We are working urgently to build a large new compound, described below.
We do not believe that the migrant population will lessen in the near future. Reynosa is a favorite location for coyotes and cartels crossing people into the United States. MPP is affecting few people at this point, and under Title 42 everyone else trying to cross is sent back to Reynosa. Meanwhile, survival is becoming more and more tenuous for families with children in the south. Gangs are now forcibly recruiting boys and girls at the age of ten for sexual purposes or to work in the drug trade. Those who refuse to turn over their children are killed. Once they arrive in Reynosa they remain at great risk. Kidnappings, rapes, and trafficking are daily occurrences. If and when the border reopens, there will still be a great need for more migrant housing.
The only safe places for these families are within the walled church shelters, Senda de Vida and Casa de Migrantes. Although Pastor Hector of Senda de Vida already has triple the normal number of residents, he has agreed to build and direct Senda II on a nearby baseball field. This enormous enclave will house the more than 2000 migrants now in danger at the plaza. Time is of the essence because of the grave dangers there; and because the city officials are determined to forcibly evict them in the near future. If dumped in the streets they will quickly be kidnapped or trafficked.
Pastor Hector and a huge team of migrants from his Senda shelter began working to build the safety wall of brick and mortar around the perimeter. All team members had suffered in the Plaza earlier and were eager to help, and are proud of their work. Three of the women turned out to be experienced construction experts. We Angry Tias contributed about ten thousand for the wall and have given an additional fifteen thousand to pay for the 30 toilets and sinks, 20 showers, materials for the septic tank, and industrial sized stoves and kitchen equipment. Team Brownsville has committed to fund the buildings to house the toilets, showers and wash stations which will be built under the direction and expertise of the amazing team, Solidarity Engineering. Team Brownsville’s commitment extends to funding the provision of drinking water, toilet paper, and other necessities. Given the long wait periods facing the migrants, running water toilets and showers are crucial to their health and basic human dignity.
In the near future we hope to build a second, much larger septic tank, which will cost about 4 thousand dollars, as well as large permanent block and cement dormitories. For now, once the plumbing is installed in the buildings, people can be safely moved in from the Plaza.
Team Brownsville and the Angry Tias and Abuelas are also co-funding the food and utilities and support programs in Senda de Vida, Casa de Migrantes and Lulu’s House during the last three months. Given the ever-increasing population, the cold, and the continuing covid problems, this support has been crucial.
Please consider contributing to this expansive project which will shelter vulnerable migrants seeking protection at our southern border.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Harbury and The Angry Tias and Abuelas
Click here to donate to Angry Tias and Abuelas to protect these vulnerable migrants.