Dear John,

The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agency, with the support of the Trump administration, is still outrageously trying to deny justice to the family of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas, a migrant who died in CBP custody.

We made history recently when the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the investigative arm of the Organization of American States, found it has authority to decide this case despite the assertion by the Trump administration that the American Declaration, a cornerstone of international human rights law, creates no legally binding obligations on the United States! Video of the incident linked here. WARNING: some of the footage contains graphic violence.

No human being is illegal and no one should be killed for trying to seek a better life.

We need your help to fight back — can you rush a donation right now to support ASD lawyers who are resisting CBP and the Trump Administration's anti-immigrant and racist agenda?

Anastasio wasn’t just killed; he was punched, kicked, dragged, tased, hogtied, and denied medical attention. Autopsy reports confirmed that Anastasio suffered extensive injuries while in custody, including bruising and abrasions on his face and body, five broken ribs, and hemorrhaging of internal organs. Anastasio died after suffering a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and brain damage. His death was ruled a homicide.

This is the first known extrajudicial killing case that will be decided involving the United States. Many have tried to seek review, but none have been successful until now. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other cases, but the fight is far from over. The only way we're going to get CBP and the Trump administration to stop denying migrants their basic human rights is to expose their illegal actions. 

Despite video and audio evidence of the beating, prosecutors still closed the criminal investigation without pursuing any criminal charges against the agents. We have to keep the spotlight on this kind of obstruction of justice. 

Anastasio’s case is far from an isolated incident. To the contrary, Latinos, particularly undocumented migrants, are routinely the victims of excessive use of force. The vast majority of abuses and misconduct by CBP agents at the U.S.- Mexico border remains shrouded in absolute impunity. 

Government officials should not have free reign to brutalize undocumented migrants. But this will only stop if we shine light on and stand up to illegal actions, in the courtroom and on the streets.

Donate today and help us to keep fighting back. We do not have dedicated funding for this case. Please support the ASD legal team as we work to resist CBP and Trump’s anti-immigrant and racist agenda.

This fight isn't just about Anastasio — it's about ALL of us. We cannot allow them to operate outside the law.

Let's keep fighting and being fearless in defense of the most vulnerable among us.

In solidarity,

Rey López-Calderón and the Alliance San Diego Team