Need to Know
The message below went out on Monday, July 16, 2012 to Standing on the Side of Love supporters. You can sign-up for these emails here.
A fews days ago, we learned that a federal grand jury is considering criminal charges against the U.S. Border Patrol agents who beat and murdered Anastasio Hernandez Rojas. Eyewitness videos of the killing, along with testimony from Anastasio’s family, were featured on PBS’ Need to Know program in April. People across the country were able to see and hear for themselves the Border Patrol’s culture of impunity and abuse. It was the public outcry from this incident that finally compelled the Department of Justice to open an investigation into Anastasio’s killing.
Click here to watch the episode's trailer.
On July 20, 2012, PBS’ Need to Know will air a second program highlighting Border Patrol abuse in detention centers and in the field. Please watch this program with your friends and family.
Following the broadcast of this episode, No More Deaths volunteers and others featured in the program will travel to Washington, D.C. with the Southern Border Community Coalition to urge the Obama Administration to implement much-needed policy reforms, including mechanisms for public oversight and accountability. No More Deaths has worked to documents these abuse for the last six years.
We are in the midst of a significant moment when long-standing practices of impunity and abuse are being made visible. Together, we can build greater accountability and oversight of Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
We need your help to elevate the cry for justice for the more than 6 million residents of the United States who live along the U.S./Mexico border:
- Encourage your congregation to watch the program.
- Forward this email to your friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
- Host a ‘watching party’ of the PBS Need to Know episode at 8 pm EST on Friday, July 20.
Check your local listings for details.
These stories only have impact to the extent that people know what is happening. Can you help us take this next step in advancing justice? Start by sharing this announcement and stay tuned for additional steps you can take to bring justice home.
Cheers,
Sarah Launius
Volunteer, No More Deaths
Danielle Alvarado
Volunteer, No More Deaths
