Local
Groups join in La Crosse to protest conditions at border detention facilities
They spanned the Cass Street Bridge in La Crosse with lights in hand Friday night, protesting the conditions for detainees of those trying to cross the Mexican-US border.
Showing Up for Racial Justice and La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network hosted the rally and subsequent march after inviting all those who were interested.
Megan Grinde with LISSN said people needed to stand up to the most vulnerable.
“We’re treating women and children, many of whom come through legal channels, better than worse than convicted murderers.” Grinde said. “Even those people in United States prisons are given beds and soap and toothbrushes.”
In hearing the defense of the conditions, Grinde was concerned about the rationalizations being given.
“It’s frightening when our neighbors or even those in government start justifying human rights abuses,” Grinde said, “by saying they should have just followed the rules.”
A rally was first held at Cameron Park, followed by the crossing of the Cass Street Bridge.
Grinde added the outspoken defense of the border issue bleeds into local citizens repeating the same opinions.
More than 3,000 dollars was donated to an organization helping to provide legal assistance to those in detention.
The rally preempted a national raid of undocumented immigrants by ICE officials on Sunday.
ROBERT ALAN MELBO
July 15, 2019 at 5:57 am
The USCIS (US Customs and Immigration Service), which includes the border patrol and ICE (for the interior of the US) is doing all it can with the resources available to it. They have repeatedly asked for more funds, and repeatedly been turned down by Congress. For a time, maybe they’re still doing it, they were releasing the detainees into the general public. The local communities affected by this complain that they can’t handle all the immigrants. What is the USCIS supposed to do? To use the term “concentration camp” is not right! The immigrants are not forced to “drink out of toilets”. It’s all about more representation in Congress and a bigger piece of the federal budget.
Joe S
July 15, 2019 at 8:02 am
Those that stood on the bridge to stand up for the treatment of the people who have come here illegally have an opinion that should be heard. Perhaps, since their elected officials can not find the funds to make the conditions better, there should be a way for them to volunteer, go to the detention areas, bring with them the soap and toothbrushes, and help the people who have broken the laws. Just seems like a solution to a problem. Or maybe we quite letting all of the people come here when there is no way to help them all. Hmmmmm…….