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RIP Elvi Isai Vazquez-Bartolon
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It is with a heavy heart that we share the details of our latest Volviendo a Casa recipient, Elvi Isai Vazquez-Bartolon. Elvi was born to a humble, low-income family in Santo Domingo la Cascada Chiapas, Mexico. He was the father of 3 small children, the oldest being only 6 years old. His dream was to work in the US and learn English to help his family financially. Unfortunately, Elvi was abandoned in the desert by the coyote and the group with which he was crossing with. He was found 2 weeks later by Border Patrol agents. He was 28 years old. His wife, parents, children, and siblings all await for Elvi to return to his hometown for his final goodbye and burial, as his only relative in the US is also undocumented and doesn’t have the financial means to cover all the expenses. Lendi Vazquez, the sister of the deceased migrant, had the difficult job of requesting support for the tragedy of her brother.
“Thank you so much for helping my brother return home. My family and I are very grateful for the support provided to us by Border Angels, thank you so much for your help.” - Lendi Vazquez
Through the Volviendo a Casa program we were able to pay for funeral expenses and transportation back to Chiapas. Elvi Isai Vazquez-Bartolon, May he Rest in Peace.
We continue to denounce the many policies at work at our southern border, which dehumanize our migrant siblings, causing entirely preventable deaths. We remain committed to providing humanitarian aid to those crossing in hopes of preventing more deaths.
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Thanks to the volunteers who joined us this past Saturday we had our April Water Drop. We had 18 participants join us, including four media members from Germany. Our team split up into three groups, and together we were able to drop 20+ gallons of water and care packages with food, hats, emergency tents and other life-saving supplies in the desert.
We found consumed water and canned food, which confirms to us that migrants are crossing through the paths we are dropping supplies at. We remain vigilant to all activity in the desert and hope to help as many people as possible.
Our upcoming Water Drop sign-up links will be posted soon. For more information, you can email our coordinator at [email protected].
Con cuidado (Be careful)
Border Angels
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The first Bond recipient from Senegal!
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Meet Abraham, our first Familias Reunidas bond fund recipient from Senegal! He is 31 years old and our 126th bond posted. He spent 3 months inside the Imperial Regional Detention Center. We want to give a special thanks to Al Otro Lado, for referring this case to us, and we share some of his heartfelt words with you:
“Thank you for paying my bond. My family and I are very grateful because without you I wouldn’t have been released. Continue to do the good work that you’re doing. You are appreciated.”
If you would like to help others like Abraham you can donate through the link in bio, your donation goes towards freeing someone from detention! If your loved one is in the Otay Mesa, Adelanto, or Imperial Regional Detention Center and you need assistance paying for their bond, you can fill out an application on our website.
If your loved one is in the Otay Mesa, Adelanto, or Imperial Regional Detention Center and you need assistance paying for their bond, you can fill out an application here.
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It's still tax season for many of us, and vehicle donations to Border Angels are tax-deductible! Donating is easy, the pick-up is free, and we use the proceeds from the sale to continue our various programs. Most vehicles are sold through local used-car markets. Our trusted vehicle donation program works to get the highest return per vehicle.
We’ll handle all the paperwork, too! Whether your vehicle sells for $500 or less, more than $500, or more than $5000, you will be provided with the proper paperwork and tax receipts. Call 855-500-RIDE (855-500-7433) or click the button below to get started.
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We want to thank El Camino College, specifically the Social Justice Center for visiting us for an Educational Trip the month. 20 students joined our water drop and helped us drop over a dozen gallons and 20 care packages in the desert. The group was so engaged and it was an emotional moment when one of the students shared he had crossed as a kid, and for him, it was a full circle to be able to leave life-saving supplies for other migrants who are still crossing. We also had several students who mentioned they were doing this for their parents who crossed. It was eye-opening for them to realize just how difficult it is to journey through the desert.
This group also joined us for a Day Laborer Outreach, in which they helped distribute 70 packages made up of water/Gatorades, socks, deodorant, chips, oranges, and Know Your Rights Cards. Since these students were looking forward to seeing how they could support communities near them, they didn't hesitate to engage in conversation with the laborers and listened to their stories. This helped them learn about what experiences they had making the journey here and how many of them are still supporting their families back in their respective countries of origin.
If your school/group/organization would like to join us or find out what other educational opportunities are available please email our coordinator at ana@borderangels.org today.
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Sign up now for our May Water Drop! This volunteer event will take place on Saturday, May 11th. Join us as we drop off water and other life-saving items in the desert.
More details about the event will be provided once you are selected to join. This event is on a first-come, first-serve basis as we limit our events based on the need for the drops. Filling out this form does not guarantee a spot.
We hope to see you there! 
For any questions or more info email osvaldo@borderangels.org or call the office at 619-487-0249.
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Schedule a Donation Drop-Off
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Due to limited storage space we will be receiving physical donations by appointment only. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9AM to 3PM.
Call us or email us to schedule today at 619-487-0240 or [email protected].
Drop off donations at our office located at the Sherman Heights Community Center at 2258 Island Ave. San Diego, CA 92102. We do not accept used clothing donations.
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At least 6 suicide attempts at Tacoma ICE facility, 911 calls show
Over a period of less than three months this year, the federal immigrant detention center in Tacoma has seen at least six, possibly seven, suicide attempts, according to audio and records of 911 calls.
On Tuesday, the University of Washington Center for Human Rights shared the audio and records of dozens of calls it obtained through public records requests, covering a period of Jan. 1 to March 18. Six calls were related to people held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center attempting to kill themselves through hanging or asphyxiation.
Read Full Article
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Judge questions US government claim it does not have to feed migrant children
A federal judge has sharply questioned the Biden administration’s position that it is not responsible for housing and feeding migrant children while they wait in makeshift camps along the US-Mexico border.
Recent media reports have shed light on the harsh conditions at sites along the border, where people waiting for processing by US immigration authorities live under open skies or in tents or structures made of tree branches. The camps are often short on food, water and sanitation, relying on groups of volunteers to distribute aid and basic supplies.
Read Full Article
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‘If I go back there, I’m a dead man’: Fleeing Haitians pin their hopes on the asylum process
A reminder of what Haiti has become is there, in the mirror, anytime she wants to look. A large scar runs from her ear and down her jaw, toward her chin.
The wound is from an attack she suffered in her parents’ home at the hands of machete-wielding gang members, according to legal filings submitted to support her asylum claim. The woman requested to be identified only by her first initial, E., as her asylum claim is ongoing and she fears for her life if she is forced to return to her home country. During the assault, a blade cut her face, arm, and leg before she was able to flee.
Read Full Article
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We have everything from t-shirts, to totes, to water bottles! All merchandise purchases go towards our programs and life-saving work.
Visit our online shop here.
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Make a difference and donate today!
Visit our website: www.borderangels.org
Please make checks payable to:
Border Angels
2258 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
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