Yesterday at least 50 people were found dead in a semi-trailer truck in San Antonio, according to media reports and public officials.
“We are devastated to hear this news, and our hearts are with the victims and their families,” said Edna Yang, co-Executive Director of American Gateways. “This unspeakable tragedy shakes all of us to our core, especially those of us who work to welcome immigrants to our state and support them through their legal processes.”
Sadly, this is not the first time we’ve witnessed such a tragedy in Texas, and it’s a painful reminder that militarized border policies enacted by state and federal leaders, coupled with the federal government’s ongoing failure to implement humane and comprehensive immigration reform, play a direct role in forcing those seeking safety into taking more dangerous routes to reach this country.
“Here in San Antonio we are in touch with public officials, community partners, and other advocates to support the survivors of this tragedy in any way that we can,” said Griselda Barrera, the co-Director of Program and Operations for American Gateways in San Antonio. “We grieve with the families and will do everything possible to help.”
Special protections exist for individuals who have been victims of crimes and human trafficking. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime or human trafficking there are several organizations that may be able to assist.
American Gateways will continue to monitor developments out of San Antonio and offer our support where it is helpful and needed.
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