3/3/20

By Julie Swift

4 planes - Swiftair and World Atlantic - depart BRO today. They are bound for Guatemala City, El Salvador and two to places around the US, picking up their shackled human cargo along the way, before heading to Central America to leave unsuspecting asylum seekers either stranded in countries they fled or countries where they know no one. I’m not there to witness right now - to see the ceremonious laying out of shackles - the frisking and mouth searches - to see the dehumanization and humiliation of people bound at ankles and wrists forced to make their way up stairs into the plane. It’s painful to see. When I leave I always feel like I’ve been to the funeral of someone dear to me - the loss feels that heavy. But we must witness this genocide, we must honor these souls who went through so much to bring their families to safety. In my heart I apologize to each one for failing them and I make promises I hope we can keep. Please come when you can - bear witness to our county’s shameful policies and shout it to the world. #restoreasylumnow #WitnessAtTheBorder