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Jesus Atenco Perez, May he Rest in Peace.
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Today, we honor the memory of Jesus Atenco Perez, a 26-year-old from Puebla, and our latest Volviendo a Casa program recipient, whose life was tragically cut short while pursuing a dream to improve the lives of his family. Jesus graduated from college with a degree in fashion and design, but the lack of job opportunities in his hometown and the financial struggles of his single mother of 5, pushed him to seek a better future. With the hope of supporting his family, Jesus migrated to Tijuana, where he lived in Rosarito for three years, working tirelessly to send money back home. His ultimate dream was to relieve his family of their financial burdens and offer them a brighter future.
Determined to make that dream a reality, Jesus made the difficult decision to attempt a crossing into the United States. Unfortunately, during his attempt, he passed away due to a CBP pursuit that ended in a fatal crash, claiming the lives of two young adults, including Jesus. His passing is a painful reminder of the sacrifices so many make in search of a better life.
In an interview, his mother, Yanett, had this to say about deadly CBP pursuits:
“These persecutions have killed and continue to kill our people. And I don’t think it’s fair that they hunt us as if we were animals.”
We are deeply grateful to Funeraria del Angel for their compassion and partnership in bringing Jesus home to his family, where he will be remembered not just for his tragic passing but for the selflessness and care he showed throughout his life
Jesus Atenco Perez, May he Rest in Peace.
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Familias Reunidas Bond Program
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Meet Mateo, the latest recipient of our Familias Reunidas Bond Program. A 39-year-old asylum seeker from El Salvador, Mateo has been the sole provider for his partner of four years, her 7-year-old son, and their newborn daughter, who was born just two weeks ago while he was still inside the Otay Mesa detention center.
For the past four months, Mateo has been unable to work due to his detention, which has caused significant financial hardship for his family. The weight of this struggle has been heavy, but thanks to your unwavering support and our partnership with Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Mateo is now able to reunite with his family and meet his newborn daughter for the first time.
Mateo has been a dedicated employee with Unique Construction in Los Angeles for the past three years, and he is eager to resume work and provide for his family once again. His journey is a reminder of the resilience of immigrants and the power of community support in helping families heal and rebuild.
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Celebrating Ramadan alongside Assabil Shelter
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This past weekend, Border Angels had the honor of returning to Assabil Muslim Shelter in Tijuana, the first Muslim shelter in Mexico. Our group of dedicated, returning volunteers arrived with three cars full of donations, eager to support the community in this meaningful way. We are proud to be the first non-Muslim organization to support this important community.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by families observing and celebrating Ramadan. The experience was both educational and eye-opening, deepening our understanding of their faith, values, and the challenges they face. This visit was a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and mutual respect.
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From the desert to the mountains
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An unforgettable day of service with our Border Angels family. We hiked 8 miles into the mountains, bringing life-saving water and supplies to some of the most remote areas along the border. Every drop of water makes a difference, and this past event we left over 100L to help those in need. Along the way, we found bottles that had been stabbed and our previous drops completely emptied, a heartbreaking reminder of the desperation many face. We also took a moment to visit Oscar’s memorial, honoring his life and the countless others lost in these harsh conditions.
You can visit our website to donate to our Water Drop program or click the button below to purchase items off of our wishlist. For any questions regarding our Water Drop program, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected].
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Thank you Lowell Bennion Center
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Another successful Day Laborer Outreach with the Lowell Bennion Center for Community Engagement’s Alt Breaks Program! This year, we returned to continue our work with two previous members who joined us in 2023 for a water drop.
We visited Home Depot Marketplace, where we distributed 40 care packages filled with water, Gatorade, toothbrushes, chips, fruit snacks, deodorant, KYR cards, and ear plugs. The turnout was incredible, with more laborers than ever before—so much so that we went through the 40 packages in the parking lot before even crossing the street! It was heartwarming to see students connect one-on-one with the laborers, listening to their stories and sharing experiences. We even handed out some BA shirts, which were put on immediately with pride.
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Thank you, UCI School of Social Sciences, Dept. of Sociology
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An eye-opening Educational Water Drop with UCI School of Social Sciences, Department of Sociology. We ventured to the left side of Meyers Creek through the tunnels and were surprised by how many backpacks we found as evidence pf those crossing through. Our group of 11 participants left 9 gallons of water and 11 packages containing essentials like hand warmers, canned goods, emergency blankets, electrolytes, and socks.
It was a cold, windy day, and the journey really showed how weather can impact a person’s struggle. The students reflected on how even just 1-2 hours of carrying these items left the group feeling exhausted and really put into perspective the hardships faced by those in their migration journey.
Thank you so much for joining us, UCI!
If your school/group/organization would like to participate in a water drop or find out what other educational opportunities are available, please email our educational programs coordinator at [email protected]. Join our mission of love!
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Resources and Know Your Rights Info
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Red Cards: Know Your Rights
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In times of uncertainty, staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself and your community. No matter your immigration status, everyone in the U.S. has certain rights under the Constitution.
We’re sharing these Know Your Rights Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help ensure you’re prepared and empowered. Fear can be used as a tool of intimidation, but knowledge is power. Practice reading these out loud and carry them with you always.
Let’s stand strong together—an informed community is a powerful community!
To print your own, visit the ILRC website or click the link in bio. Cards available in 10+ languages!
•••
En tiempos de incertidumbre, mantenerse informado es el primer paso para protegerse a sĂ mismo y a su comunidad. Sin importar su estatus migratorio, todos en los EE. UU. tienen ciertos derechos bajo la ConstituciĂłn.
Estamos compartiendo estas Tarjetas Conozca sus Derechos del Centro de Recursos Legales para Inmigrantes para ayudarlo a asegurarse de estar preparado y empoderado. El miedo puede usarse como una herramienta de intimidación, pero el conocimiento es poder. Practique leerlas en voz alta y llévelas siempre con usted.
¡Mantengámonos fuertes juntos: una comunidad informada es una comunidad poderosa!
Para imprimir su propia tarjeta, visite el sitio web de ILRC o haga clic en el enlace en la biografĂa. ¡Tarjetas disponibles en más de 10 idiomas!
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SDCCD Undocumented Support Services
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The Undocumented Resource Center invites you tomorrow at 6 pm to learn about immigrant rights and family safety planning.
These virtual workshops are in collaboration with all Districtwide undocumented student service programs, Alliance San Diego, and Higher Education Legal Services.
Community members are welcome!
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 Join the Water Drop and Caravan of LoveÂ
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Signups are now open for our April Water Drop! This event will take place on Saturday, April 26th where we'll be delivering water and other essential supplies in the desert.
Please note spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Filling out the form doesn’t guarantee a spot, but we’ll send more details once you’re selected to join.
If you can’t make it but still want to help, we’d be grateful if you could consider donating items from our Water Drop wish list. Your support is more important than ever.
You can sign up or donate through the link below. For more information or any questions regarding volunteer opportunities, contact [email protected].
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We’re on a mission to spread kindness and we need YOUR help! On Saturday, May 3rd, we’re looking for volunteers to drive their cars and assist in distributing much-needed donations.
Requirements to participate:
Passport/SENTRI/Appropriate travel documents
Reliable transportation to drive into Tijuana and deliver donations
Signed volunteer waiver
Sign up now through the button below. Volunteer spots are limited and on a first come first served basis. For any questions regarding this event please contact us at [email protected]
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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. We do not accept used clothing donations. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9AM to 3PM.
Call us or email us to schedule today at 619-487-0240 or [email protected]
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Just in time for Tax Season
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Donate your car to help our mission of love
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Donate your car to Border Angels just in time for tax season! We’ll use the proceeds raised from your donation to help save lives in the desert, free loved ones from a detention center, and to support our migrant families in Tijuana.
Our trusted vehicle donation program makes it easy with free pick-up and takes great care in finding the right buyer to get top dollar for it. Plus, 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 for your donation.
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Mother seeks repatriation of remains of son killed in Border Patrol chase
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly The mother of one of the deceased after a Border Patrol chase feels helpless for not being able to say goodbye to her son. Like many migrants, he was seeking a better life in the United States, but his dreams were cut short along the way.
Yanett Perez is still waiting to obtain her son's remains. In her home in Puebla, Mexico, she has already set up an altar in memory of her 26-year-old son, JesĂşs Atenco PĂ©rez.
Yanett says her son lived in Rosarito, Baja California, for three years before pursuing the American dream in San Diego.
Read Full Article
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Federal agents target El Cajon business suspected of employing undocumented immigrants
Federal law enforcement descended in unincorporated El Cajon on Thursday to execute a search warrant at a business suspected of knowingly employing undocumented immigrants, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Dozens of law enforcement officers with bulletproof vests and individuals in handcuffs forming lines were seen in the industrial area near Airport Drive and Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon around 1 p.m. Thursday.
Read Full Article
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Trump admin reviews San Diego migrant shelters, suggests violation of smuggling laws
The Trump administration is reviewing San Diego County and organizations awarded federal grants to shelter migrants, suggesting they may have violated human smuggling laws and requesting information on all migrants served through the grant.Â
The Department of Homeland Security has “significant concerns” the recipients of the grant “may be guilty of encouraging or inducing an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States” in violation of federal criminal law, said Cameron Hamilton, acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in a letter sent to a county official on March 11.Â
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:Â www.borderangels.orgÂ
Please make checks payable to:
Border Angels
2258 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92102
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