Deaths and Abuse at Border Must Stop, Be Investigated

Domingo García

Posted: January 18, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following is a letter submitted on Jan. 14, by Domingo García, President of the League United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to Mr. Jaime Esparza, United States District Attorney in San Antonio, Texas.

I write to you as the National President of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest Latino civil rights organization, in the wake of the heartbreaking incident that transpired in Eagle Pass, Texas, detailed in a recent Washington Examiner article dated January 13, 2024. As reported, a Christian refugee mother/adult female and two children lost their lives while attempting to cross the Rio Grande at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas, an event that has sparked widespread outcry and demands for a full investigation.

The circumstances surrounding these deaths are not only tragic but also raise serious questions regarding the enforcement of immigration laws and the actions of Texas state oﬃcials, including Governor Abbott. It is our understanding that federal Border Patrol agents were prevented from performing their duty to respond to a distress call due to the intervention of Texas state authorities under directives from Governor Greg Abbott.

In light of these events, LULAC formally requests that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Justice be called in to conduct a thorough investigation into the events that led to these fatalities. We believe there are grounds to examine potential criminal violations, including but not limited to murder, negligent homicide, and child endangerment.

The circumstances surrounding these deaths are not only tragic but also raise serious questions regarding the enforcement of immigration laws and the actions of Texas state oﬃcials, including Governor Abbott.

The precedent set by this incident is deeply troubling. Not only does it concern the immediate safety and well-being of individuals seeking refuge, but it also challenges the established jurisdiction of federal authority as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The actions taken by state oﬃcials in this instance may constitute an illegal obstruction of federal law enforcement duties.

Therefore, in addition to a federal investigation, LULAC urges that immediate measures be taken to ensure that Governor Greg Abbott and the State of Texas cease any activities that unlawfully intervene in the federal enforcement of immigration laws. The usurpation of federal powers a state governor sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the constitutional framework that preserves the balance of powers between state and federal authority.

The loss of three innocent lives is a stark reminder of the human cost of a broken immigration policy and enforcement practices. It is incumbent upon all levels of government to protect individuals within their jurisdiction, and when actions or policies directly contravene this duty, it is imperative that they be held accountable.

The statement by Congressman Henry Cuellar and the article in the Washington Examiner provide a detailed account of the events and the subsequent actions taken by state oﬃcials. It underscores the urgency with which we must address this matter to ensure accountability and prevent the recurrence of such tragic events. The enforcement of immigration laws and the preservation of human life are not mutually exclusive objectives and should be treated with the gravity they deserve.

We look to your oﬃce to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law. We trust that you will take our request under serious consideration and act promptly to address our concerns.

Thank you for your attention to this grave matter. We stand ready to assist in any way necessary to support a full and thorough investigation. The community deserves answers, and the family members of those lost deserve justice. We hope that with the cooperation of your oﬃce, we can work to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure that federal laws are enforced appropriately and humanely.

Domingo García is the National President with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).