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Border Angels Statement in Support of Senators’–Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)–Call Upon the Biden Administration to Immediately Close For-Profit ICE Detention Centers

As a non-profit organization committed to the humane treatment of migrants seeking a better life in the United States, it is incumbent upon Border Angels to call attention and demand action when the United States fails to act in a manner inconsistent with the nation’s values and at the expense of migrants.

It has been widely reported that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Customs and Enforcement are currently operating at least 110 detention camps run by for-profit private companies. Further, it has been reported by independent watchdogs that among those detention centers, in at least four of them, the inhumane conditions have directly resulted in the development of longterm medical conditions, psychological trauma and the death of detainees, stemming from sleep deprivation, overcrowding, dirty drinking water, lack of access to functioning showers and even a lack of adequate food.

To that end, Border Angels wishes to express its unequivocal support for the aforementioned Senators’ recent letter to D.H.S. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and I.C.E. Director Patrick Lechleitner calling for an end to all detention centers being operated by for-profit private companies who are profiting off the suffering and desperation of migrants in search of an opportunity for a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Sincerely,
Luis O. Osuna
Border Angels, President
RIP Elvi Isai Vazquez-Bartolon

We are deeply saddened to share the story of Ivan Maqueda Maqueda, our third Volviendo a Casa recipient this year. Heartbreakingly, Baltazar Maqueda, the uncle of the deceased migrant, filled out the form to request support for the tragedy of his nephew as his parents are in total denial and do not accept that their son passed away in the desert due to dehydration. Ivan decided to migrate to the U.S looking for the American Dream. He wanted to better his quality of life and help his parents financially. Unfortunately, he passed away in the desert on his migration journey. Border Patrol found the remains of Ivan months after he was reported missing and they had to conduct DNA testing with his parents to identify him. He was only 25 years old. We cannot imagine his parent’s pain.

The Consulate of Mexico in San Diego reached out to us for support in this case and we were able to support with paying the full amount. We are thankful to Funeraria Altar for working with us in providing affordable prices for these cases.

Ivan Maqueda Maqueda, 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.
Donate to Volviendo A Casa ([link removed])
April Water Drop

This past weekend we headed into the desert once more for our May Water Drop. Our team and volunteers were not only able to drop gallons of water and care packages with food, hats, emergency tents, and other life-saving supplies in the desert but were also able to stop by and deliver donations to the Open Air Detention Camps in Jacumba.

We are so grateful to all of you who have stopped by our office and donated to our wishlist. We are still in dire need of all items previously posted and will continue to collect donations. We have been working alongside the Schultz family from Jacumba, who is actively collecting and storing donations at the Smith Youth Center, will be picking up all items shipped to us going forward, and distributing them to the camps.

Our upcoming Water Drop sign-up links are below under Volunteer Opportunities. For more information, you can email our coordinator at [email protected].

Buena Suerte, (Good Luck)
Border Angels
Donate to Water Drop ([link removed])
Celebrating Dia del Niño

We are so incredibly grateful to our donors for helping us fundraise 900 dollars to get gifts to the children of Templo Embajadores de Jesus shelter to celebrate Dia del Niño. Thanks to those combined efforts, the hundreds of migrant children were able to just be kids, and enjoy a party filled with cake, piñatas, characters and plenty of toys to go around!

Our Shelter Aid program provides funds to support over a dozen shelters in Tijuana, with rent, utilities, food, and parties like this one.

If you would like to participate in our next Caravan of Love to distribute donations to Tijuana shelters visit the Volunteer Opportunities section in this Newsletter, or if you would like to donate to our Shelter Aid program click the button below.
Donate to Shelter Aid ([link removed])
Dining to Donate with Applebees
An enormous thank you to each and every one of you who joined us for the Dining to Donate fundraiser at Applebee's Bar and Grill. Your presence and participation have made a significant impact on our mission to support migrant families in need!

15% of every bill from those who participated will be directed toward our programs. Your willingness to dine out with purpose and support our cause speaks volumes about your compassion and dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

A special shoutout to the Chula Vista location, Heather Catalan, and the entire staff at Applebee's.
San Diego Symphony

We want to thank the San Diego Symphony for inviting us to be part of their Music Connect program and their mission to bring music to all:

"Music Connects is San Diego Symphony’s program dedicated to the accessibility of classical music. From free tickets to performances for San Diego’s most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods to special events for active and veteran military members and their families, we understand the value of inclusion and connection in supporting a thriving arts community."

Thank you for the opportunity and a wonderful concert!

Click here ([link removed]) to learn more about Music Connect.
Thank you Serve Boldly!

This month we hosted a Day Laborer Outreach with Serve Boldly as part of our Educational Program. Thank you to Sara Jonasen, the Director of Serve Boldly, a ministry of Green Lake Lutheran Ministries in Spicer, MN. Serve Boldly has operated for over a decade and provides youth with the opportunity to accompany and serve their neighbor.

We had 10 participants including their Pastor Evan. Together we provided 50 care packages including water bottles, Gatorade, fruit snacks, apples/bananas/oranges, chips, and granola bars. Most of them were younger college students and they spent a week in San Diego and Tijuana to learn more and engage with the migrant community.

The group was eager to engage with the laborers and took the time to converse with them, even if most participants didn't speak excellent Spanish. It was great to see the care they took to treat the laborers as people and learn about their stories.

If your school/group/organization would like to join us or find out what other educational opportunities are available please email our coordinator at [email protected] today.
Volunteer Opportunities

Due to increasingly high summer temperatures, our June Water Drop will be closed for registration and we will only be inviting returning and experienced volunteers. The safety of our volunteers remains our utmost priority. Thank you for your understanding.

For any questions or more info email [email protected] or call the office at 619-487-0249.
Sign up here ([link removed])
We’re looking for volunteers to join the Caravan of Love on
Saturday, June 22nd. This event requires volunteers to drive and cross over into Tijuana to help deliver necessities and moral support to migrant shelters in need. Help spread the love to migrant families and children.

Requirements to participate:
Passport/SENTRI/Appropriate travel documents
Donations for shelter (list on 2nd and 3rd slide)
Reliable transportation to drive into Tijuana and deliver donations
Signed volunteer waiver.

Volunteer spots are limited and on a first come first served basis. For any questions regarding this event please contact us at [email protected].

We can’t wait to see you!
Sign up here ([link removed])
Schedule a Donation Drop-Off
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.
News Spotlight:

Senators Call For Shuttering Of 'Inhumane' ICE Detention Centers
A group of Democratic senators led by Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter Tuesday night to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to shut down four private detention centers.

The letter, first reviewed by HuffPost and signed by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), targets facilities in New Mexico, California, Louisiana and Virginia. All of the facilities have faced serious complaints over treatment of detainees. Contracts for two of those facilities are up for renewal this week.

Read Full Article ([link removed])

San Diego’s Latino community celebrates Mother’s Day May 10, as some feel the impact of Friendship Park’s closure
This weekend is all about celebrating and honoring moms for Mother's Day. But for some Latin American countries, the celebrations start Friday.

In the U.S., Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May, while May 10 is the traditional date to honor mothers in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Belize.

“All in all, it’s a time for people to get together and celebrate," said Jesus Gonzalez, Executive Director of Border Angels.

The tradition originated in Mexico in the early 20th century and has since spread to other countries.

Read Full Article ([link removed])
Don't Forget the Merch

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 ([link removed]) .
Donate Now! ([link removed])

Make a difference and donate today!

Visit our website: www.borderangels.org ([link removed]) ([link removed])

Please make checks payable to:
Border Angels
2258 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92102

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