From students Paige and Brady:
Hi everyone,
First we woke up and then had some great breakfast and made our way to the vans to El Paso. We then listened to Abi Ray who works with unaccompanied minors in helping them seek asylum and more. We thought her perspective was quite eye opening because she actually lives in El Paso and helps immigrants entering the US. We learned about the difficulty of entering the United States even as an unaccompanied minor with a sponsor. It was impactful that as we listened and asked questions to her, the wall was right behind her, about 50 feet away.
We then went up closer to the wall which was even more insane and then saw a border patrol agent. Even though he was on the job, he was very willing to talk to us even though we could not record. He told us stories from his perspective and about keeping an open mind. He explained how hard it was to be professional, kind, yet firm with everyone. He also explained the effects of Title 42 from a border patrol perspective.
We then had a picnic lunch and proceeded to a museum where we learned about the Rio Grande and shared land along the border. We then got some spectacular coffee and further stimulated our minds by playing chess!! Very fun. Then, we went to the hospitality center where asylum seekers are given a temporary living place where they are provided with guidance and support. Again, it was quite impactful seeing first hand what we hear about and see in the news (the wall, etc).
We often hear about a lot of the negative sides of immigration and while those are definitely present, the Hospitality Center we visited next demonstrated there is good in the system. They provide people with clothes and kids toys etc. While in that Hospitality Center, we listened to Leo Castañeda who clarified specific policies regarding border control, ICE, and detention centers. He provided many facts rather than his own opinion which allowed a lot of room for personal interpretation. He also showed us what detention centers in New Mexico look like which was quite shocking and inhumane. Then we returned, grubbed, and now will play games. Some pictures from today are attached below.
Thanks everyone,
Paige and Brady
