Hi John,
Anastasio asserted his dignity and died because of it. But his death was not in vain. The landmark case for justice is his legacy — it could save lives — and yesterday, we helped the family moved one step closer to transformational change.
On the night of May 28, 2010, Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a longtime San Diego resident was injured by U.S. border agents who had detained him for not having papers, like many in our community. They kicked out his ankle because they said he did not behave like a “typical alien.” This father of five U.S. citizen children held his head high, looked the agents in the eyes, and spoke up about his mistreatment. When he insisted on being treated with dignity, agents decided he was a “problem.”
Border agents took Anastasio to the port of entry to deport him and then in front of dozens of eyewitnesses, at least eight agents punched, kicked, dragged, tased, hogtied, and kneeled on Anastasio Hernandez Rojas’ neck and body while he cried out for help, and then stopped breathing, as another nine agents stood by. The Mexican Government official who witnessed the incident stated that the U.S. border agents treated Anastasio “like an animal.” But he was human, deserving of dignity, just like the rest of us.
Alliance San Diego is fighting for the dignity we all deserve.
Yesterday, we joined our partners at the Berkeley Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic, our co-counsel in the Anastasio case, in submitting closing arguments to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in this historic case. This case is the first-ever hearing on excessive use of force involving the United States Government. Every day, at least three people are killed by local, state, and federal law enforcement in this country — people like George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tyre Nichols. Anastasio’s case challenges the root of this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for human dignity.
The common thread running through the thousands of cases of abuse involving law enforcement is simple: the standard for use of force is too low — one of the lowest in the world — and it does not preserve life. Anastasio was deprived of the inherent humanity we are all born with. The moment is ripe for Alliance San Diego to embark on a transformative journey to change that. We can campaign for a shift to center dignity and elevate, claim, and protect human rights. This plan of action would engage the community and bring attention to the reform needed to cease law enforcement abuse and impunity. Will you support this vision?
The outcome of Anastasio’s encounter with law enforcement could have been different. Just imagine, if the question shifted from “Was the force objectively reasonable?” to “Was the force necessary and proportionate?” How many lives can be saved? This is the shift we are seeking; one that ensures the basic right to life.
Help us fight for dignity for Anastasio and for all of us.
In Solidarity,
Miesha Rice
Advancement Director
Alliance San Diego
