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Dear John,

This week I actually wrote about the drop in migration to the southern U.S border, which is unusual for this time of year. I attribute this to Mexico — prompted by the U.S government— cracking down on migrants making the journey north. The decline is likely temporary and President Biden is giving signs he may try to shut down asylum access at the border altogether, which would of course violate both U.S and international law.

Migration is a contentious topic in an election year, but here at WOLA, the cruelty to which migrants are exposed is at the forefront of our concerns. If you haven’t read it already, you may want to check out this WOLA feature by Ana Lucía Verduzco and Stephanie Brewer, on the rise in the kidnapping of migrants in Tamaulipas, northern Mexico, right on the border with Texas. The U.S regularly deports migrants to this area. Our piece has been featured widely in local news outlets such as this report on the kidnapping of Ecuadorean migrants. 

This week I was also quoted in The Guardian on increasing sexual violence against migrants in the Darién region and in The New York Times on U.S deportations to Haiti. 

In the meantime, the impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, thankfully came to a close. Many saw this as a Republican distraction.

If you plan to join us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, tickets for the WOLA Human Rights Awards and Benefit Gala on May 9, can be purchased here.

We hope to see you there!

Adam Isacson

Director for Defense Oversight 

 “I do think that the engagement is indeed a better policy than maximum pressure and isolation, that led Maduro to further deepen his relationships with governments like China, Russia, Iran and Turkey. But rather, I think it’s proof that the U.S. and the international community, and, of course, the opposition in Venezuela are dealing with an authoritarian government.”

Laura Dib

Director for Venezuela

– CNN, U.S. renewing sanctions against Venezuela’s oil and gas sector

“It is quite disappointing to see governments working together to contain the migrants and yet have so many difficulties in providing protection. It is a huge problem for the entire continent."

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President

– El País, Carolina Jiménez: ‘Nayib Bukele is an aspiring authoritarian on steroids’

“Under [President Romeo Lucas García’s] rule, that is when the scorched earth campaign against indigenous communities of Guatemala really picked up

Jo-Marie Burt

Senior Fellow

– CNN, Massive genocide trial reopens old wounds in Guatemala, 40 years after indigenous slaughter

In April 2022, WOLA launched its one-of-a-kind Border Oversight Database, which documents hundreds of reports of human rights violations and abuses against migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

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