ACLU: [Mex/US] Border deaths a humanitarian crisis

upi via email, no link | 10/1/9

[NativeNewYorker]

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The number of deaths at unauthorized U.S.-Mexico border crossings must be recognized as an international humanitarian crisis, a civil liberties group said.

U.S., Mexican and international officials must respond to the deaths with reforms that make human life a priority, a report released Wednesday by American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Mexico's National Commission on Human Rights said.

The report, "Humanitarian Crisis: Migrant Deaths at the U.S.-Mexico Border," found that border deaths have increased despite fewer unauthorized crossings because of the economic downturn, the ACLU said in a news release. The report marks the 15th anniversary of the border enforcement policy Operation Gatekeeper that concentrated border agents and added walls and fencing along populated areas.

"The current policies in place on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have created a humanitarian crisis that has led to the deaths of more than 5,000 people," said Kevin Keenan, executive director of the ACLU-San Diego and Imperial Counties. "Because of deadly practices and policies like Operation Gatekeeper, the death toll continues to rise unabated despite the decrease in unauthorized crossings due to economic factors."

Since Operation Gatekeeper began in 1994, an estimated 5,600 migrants have died while attempting unauthorized border crossings, the ACLU said.

The report recommends actions the U.S. and Mexican governments should take to protect and advance the right to life of migrants, including:

-- Recognizing border crossing deaths as an international humanitarian crisis.

-- Adopting sensible, humane immigration and border policies.

-- Shifting more U.S. Border Patrol resources to search- and-rescue operations.

-- Directing government agencies to allow humanitarian organizations to do their work to save lives and recover remains.

[wac3rd]

You read my mind. Funny how the Secualarists hate the nation that gave them so much.

[VeniVidiVici]

Since Operation Gatekeeper began in 1994, an estimated 5,600 migrants have died while attempting unauthorized border crossings, the ACLU said.

It would be nice to see a statistic that told how many deaths have been caused by illegal aliens in the US since 1994.

[SwinneySwitch]

Mexican media estimate there have been 4,500 drug-linked murders in Mexico so far this year.