Asylum-seekers observe Good Friday custom whereas drawing consideration to their very own plight
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Carrying the flags of a number of Latin American international locations and a big wood cross, a gaggle of asylum-seekers on Friday crossed the Rio Grande from Mexico to honor a Good Friday custom whereas making a degree about their plight.
A migrant sporting a crown of thorns took the cross on his again whereas a black-clad determine symbolically whipped his again as he walked on U.S. soil.
“This represents what Christ did for us, the sacrifice he made for our salvation,” mentioned Jaily, a Venezuelan migrant planning to show himself over to U.S. immigration authorities and ask for asylum in days to return. “This additionally (represents) the sacrifice we have now made coming from the jungle to right here. I’m proud (to hold the cross) as a result of we all know how he suffered. He’s on our facet, and he’ll give us a victory.”
The group walked inside toes of razor wire positioned by the Texas Military Nationwide Guard in entrance of Gate 36 of the U.S. border wall. Guard members appeared on, vigilant, whereas a recording in Spanish performed on a loudspeaker: “In case you cross at anyplace that’s not a port of entry is unlawful. In case you cross illegally and your declare is denied, you won’t be able to use once more for 5 years.”
Not one of the migrants staging the play tried to avoid the barbwire barrier. A girl and a toddler took turns carrying the cross and the lady was symbolically crucified earlier than the gamers returned to the Mexican facet.
However many others who have been planning to cross stayed on the U.S. facet – hoping the Texas troopers would allow them to by or ready for an opportunity to go below the wire and run to stake an asylum declare with the Border Patrol.
Ardour play organizer Carlos Mayorga, a Juarez human rights activist, mentioned he needed border residents to maintain the migrants of their prayers as they observe Good Friday – the Christian vacation marking the crucifixion and demise of Jesus Christ.
“Males, girls and kids carried the cross in remembrance of Jesus Christ but in addition realizing they’re victims of a every day Calvary: Ignored by society and ignored by the federal government,” Mayorga mentioned.
The cross bore the inscription “Bless and hearken to the migrant.”
Friday’s temporary and peaceable demonstration contrasted with two days of bodily confrontations between migrants and Texas troopers and cops at Gate 36 final week. A number of migrants have been arrested after barreling by the outnumbered troopers, who’ve since acquired reinforcements from different components of Texas.