Since 1994, 10,000 people have died trying to cross the border between the United States and Mexico, according to Enrique Morones founder of Border Angels. Among those who attempted the journey are men, women and young children. Due to harsh weather conditions, tough terrain and often the expensive price migrants must pay to smugglers, however, many do not make it across.
Founded by Morones in 1986, Border Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian assistance to undocumented immigrants. After bringing food and water to migrants who were living in the canyons of North County San Diego, Morones and the Border Angels expanded their operation by going out to the desert to place water near the recently constructed wall dividing the United States and Mexico, also known as Operation Gatekeeper.
“Before Operation Gatekeeper, one or two people died every month,” said Morones.
“After Operation Gatekeeper, one or two people die every day.”
Border Angels is also known for attending to a cemetery in Holtville, California to pray and place crosses that read “no olvidados” (not forgotten) on the graves of the 700 unidentified migrants laid to rest there.
Morones said that there are two main reasons why people migrate to the United States – to look for better economic opportunity and for family reunification.
Since 2006, Border Angels has taken to the streets once a year in a caravan across the country to inform people about border realities and the necessary steps needed to have humane immigration.
Today, the organization continues to educate citizens and government dignitaries on the status of weather related deaths and racial discrimination.
Border Angels is a faith based group whose mission reads, “When I was hungry, who gave me to eat? When I was thirsty, who gave me to drink?” – Mathew 25:35
“After all, we are all of the same race, the human race,” said Morones.
“It is important that we treat each other with dignity and respect.”
For more information please visit: www.borderangels.org
Executive director and founder of Border Angels Enrique Morones at the desert in the Imperial Valley.
Construction materials litter a construction site in Border Field State Park in Imperial Beach as the wall that divides the U.S.-Mexico Border wraps around a
mountain at the distance.
Clouds linger above the desert floor as seen from a moving bus.
A gallon of drinking water sits on a rock in the Imperial Valley desert where Border Angels group visits regularly.
A cross reads “descanse en paz” (rest in peace) at a poppers grave in Holtville, Calif. where 700 unidentified migrants are buried.
Executive director and founder of Border Angels Enrique Morones autographs his book The Power of One for a student at Southewestern College in Chula Vista.
Executive director and founder of Border Angels Enrique Morones kneels in front of a poppers grave at the Holtville Cemetery in the Imperial Valley while holding a cross
that reads “no olvidados” (not forgotten).
Thank you for your hard work. It is very inspiring.
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