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“As the Interim Executive Director of Border Angels, I am heartbroken and outraged by the violence, abuse, and dehumanization we are witnessing in Los Angeles right now, directed at migrant communities who have come here in search of safety, dignity, and the opportunity to live and work in peace.
I have dedicated the past 11 years of my life to this organization because I know firsthand the pain of the migrant journey. I was born in Tijuana and spent many years living in the United States as an undocumented immigrant before becoming a U.S. citizen. I understand what it means to live in fear, to navigate systems built to exclude us, and to fight every day for the right to be seen as human.”
- Dulce Aguirre
The ongoing ICE raids are part of a systemic failure—a legacy of policies that criminalize migration and inflict lasting harm on individuals and families who come here in search of safety and opportunity. At Border Angels, we believe in the fundamental dignity of all people. What we are seeing is not just unjust, it is inhumane. This is not a time for fear or division. It is a time for moral clarity. Stand with us in defense of human rights, justice, and compassion.
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As ICE raids continue and communities protest across the country, many are asking, “What can I do?” The truth is — there’s always something. You can volunteer.
You can donate.
You can show up.
No act of care is too small when people are facing fear, separation, and injustice.
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Rest in Peace, Maribel Merino Bernardo
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We are heartbroken to share the story of Maribel Merino Bernardo, our most recent Volviendo a Casa recipient. Maribel tragically lost her life while attempting to migrate back to the United States at Imperial Beach.
After living in the U.S. for over 30 years, Maribel returned to her hometown in Veracruz following the death of her partner. However, once back, she faced threats from organized crime and feared for her life. In an effort to find safety and rebuild, she made the brave but perilous decision to return to the U.S. A journey that ultimately cost her life.
Through Volviendo a Casa, we were able to support Maribel’s children by covering the financial costs of repatriation, allowing them to bring their mother home and say their final goodbye.
Maribel Merino Bernardo, May She Rest in Peace.
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Growing Concern for our Community
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This month, we conducted several Day Laborer Outreaches across San Diego.
During visits to the Fairmount, Lemon Grove, and Imperial Home Depots, laborers shared alarming accounts of recent ICE enforcement. At one site, a laborer shared that just two weeks ago, an undercover ICE agent posed as a contractor at one of the local Home Depot sites. The agent offered what appeared to be legitimate drywall work, going as far as providing job details and never disclosing his identity or affiliation. The laborer grew suspicious when he noticed the vehicle had heavily tinted windows and tried to look for signs of law enforcement, like a cage or partition. He ultimately held back, but five others—two Haitian workers with visas, a U.S. citizen, and two undocumented Latino men—accepted the job. The two undocumented workers were arrested and detained shortly after.
Deception like this not only erodes trust in potential employers but also puts lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. Despite this, outreach efforts remain critical, providing both a listening ear and a platform for laborers to safely share their realities.
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Life-saving Supplies in the Desert
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This past Saturday, 22 of us, including 6 new volunteers, headed out to continue our lifesaving mission. Along our route, we found two crates completely empty and one nearly depleted, a powerful reminder of just how critical these drops are and an indicator to continue supplying these routes.
Together, we placed over 150 waters, Gatorades, and cans across the area. These supplies can mean the difference between life and death for those making the treacherous journey through the desert.
But we can't do this without your support. Our water drop wish list is in need of donations—please consider giving what you can.
In the face of continued attacks on migrant communities, our work is more vital than ever. Thank you to everyone who shows up, speaks out, and helps carry this mission forward.
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Familias Reunidas Bond Program
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Thanks to your support, we approved a $7500 bond funding to free Josue Angel, an 18-year-old Honduran asylum seeker who has been unjustly detained at the Imperial Detention Center for 3 months.
Josue arrived alone in the U.S. as a minor and spent his 18th birthday incarcerated. Without parental support, he’s been relying on his older sister, a single mother living in LA, who was only able to raise a portion of the bond. Thanks to your generous donations, we were able to close the gap and secure Josue’s release. He is now the youngest person we have ever bonded out.
Josue has already faced more than any teenager should. His time in detention brought on depression, isolation, and limited access to education—just two English classes per week and work for mere cents an hour.
But now, he has a chance to heal and move forward. With help from his pro bono attorney at Immigrant Defenders Law Center, he’ll apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. He plans to settle in LA with his sister and niece, study to become a barber, and work construction in the meantime, thanks to a community member stepping up with a job offer.
In a time of increased ICE raids and growing bond requests, your support matters more than ever. Every dollar you donate gives someone like Josue a second chance—freedom, dignity, and the power to build a future. You can donate through the link in bio.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Let’s keep showing up for each other.
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Alexei is a 24-year-old commercial pilot, a recent university graduate, and an asylum seeker from Russia. He has no criminal record and has followed every step of the U.S. immigration process with full transparency and cooperation.
He fled Russia due to his strong anti-war stance on the war in Ukraine and his vocal opposition to the Russian regime, stances that put him at serious risk of persecution if forced to return.
After arriving in the U.S., Alexei spent 6.5 months in immigration detention at the Annex Desert View center. The emotional toll has been immense—he began taking antidepressants while in custody due to the psychological strain of indefinite confinement.
Earlier this year, we posted bond for Alexei through our Familias Reunidas Bond Fund, and he was released. He remained in close contact with his legal team and sponsor, following every requirement of his asylum case.
But this month, while visiting the Department of Homeland Security to inquire about passport documentation—a routine and necessary step in his asylum process—Alexei was suddenly and unjustly detained again, despite having an active and ongoing legal case.
This is not justice. This is targeted, unnecessary, and cruel treatment of immigrants who are following the rules and seeking safety. We are in regular contact with Alexei’s sponsor and will continue to stand beside him through this unjust and traumatic process.
His case was referred to us by our partners at SoCal Resist Bond Fund and the Colorado Freedom Fund. We are saddened to see that the U.S. immigration system continues to criminalize those who dare to seek refuge and speak out against oppression.
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A huge thank you to Serve Boldly and all the amazing students who joined us this month to learn, connect, and support day laborers in our community. Your openness and compassion make such a difference! 💛
If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to have you join our educational programs to learn more about immigration, border issues, and the realities migrant communities face every day.
For inquiries regarding our Education Program, you can reach out to our Coordinator Ana Miguel at [email protected].
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Join us Monday, July 7, 2025, from 4–8 PM at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park for an inspiring evening in support of Border Angels.
We’ll have local vendors, community vibes, and a special screening of our documentary, plus another powerful short film you won’t want to miss.
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Ignite for Immigrant Justice
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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!
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En tiempos de incertidumbre, mantenerse informado es el primer paso para protegerse a sí mismo y a su comunidad. Sin importar su estatus migratorio, todos en los EE. UU. tienen ciertos derechos bajo la Constitución.
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 biografía. ¡Tarjetas disponibles en más de 10 idiomas!
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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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Donate your car to help our mission of love
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Donate your car to Border Angels and we’ll use the proceeds raised from your donation to help save lives in the desert, free loved ones from a detention center, and 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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California bill would prohibit ICE officers from wearing masks in the state
Masked federal officers, descending on workplaces and immigration courts in dramatic scenes across the country, have drawn comparisons to secret police in authoritarian regimes.
But under a new state bill from two Bay Area lawmakers, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officers and others would have to identify themselves while working in California. The legislation introduced Monday by state Sens. Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguín (D–Berkeley) would prevent police at all levels from covering their faces with masks or balaclavas while working — and would require them to be identifiable via uniform.
Read Full Article
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Federal agents broke windows, handcuffed teens in Oceanside immigration operation
Newly obtained video shows armed federal agents breaking windows, deploying flashbangs and handcuffing two teenage U.S. citizens during an immigration enforcement operation in Oceanside last week, during which the teens’ parents were taken into custody.
Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment or details on the operation, which took place beginning at around 6 a.m. at the family’s home on Buena Street.
Video recorded by a neighbor shows the heavily armed agents with weapons drawn surrounding the home and shattering the windows as they announce to the people inside, in Spanish, that they have an order from a judge.
Read Full Article
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Here’s what is happening to the people ICE arrests in immigration court
In a video that recently made its way onto social media, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers arrest a man from Afghanistan in the hallway of the San Diego Immigration Court as he calmly repeats that he worked with the U.S. military as an interpreter.
“I have all the documents,” Sayed Naser says, as two officers put him in handcuffs.
Through his attorney, Brian McGoldrick, Sayed Naser asked not to be fully identified over concerns for his family’s safety.
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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