2/1/20
By No Concentration Camps
How to Witness at the Border
Witness at the Border calls for a continuous and growing presence at the border to end MPP and restore asylum. If you would like to witness, please sign up here. You’ll receive instructions and get connected to a network of witnessers, so you can share rides, accommodations and experiences. We met many women who traveled alone from all parts of the country.
The protest and vigil is in Xeriscape Park in Brownsville, Texas, which is directly across the street from the Gateway International Bridge and the tent courts that are denying asylum to thousands of migrants.
It costs $1 and five minutes to walk across the Gateway International Bridge to the Matamoros refugee camp. Witnessers are encouraged to travel in groups and to go with someone who has been before. Do not wander beyond the camp. You will need your U.S. passport to re-enter.
The refugee camp is at the foot of the bridge on the Mexico side. This is where witnessing takes place. The situation for the refugees is extremely precarious. Please enter the space with respect and do not interfere with relief efforts. Do not protest there; that is for the U.S. side only. Do not take photographs without consent and know that consent, even if given, may still put the refugees at risk. Many are fleeing targeted violence. Blur ALL faces if you post the photos.
Testify! Post your stories to the Witness: Tornillo Target: MPP Facebook page. Set up a talk at your local faith group, community organization, book club, labor union or school, then post about the event. It is always more powerful to testify in person; this is how a movement grows.
Also, please consider contributing to the Witness Fund to help others travel there. Share this newsletter and encourage others to witness!