By Josephine Amairani Velázquez, JD Candidate, Class of 2023
March 14,2023
On Tuesday, March 14th, our group drove to Nogales, AZ, which was the starting point for our walk. We met Camilo Rodriguez, managing attorney of the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP) and walked approximately a mile to reach the Kino Border Initiative (KBI), located in Nogales, Sonora, México. But even before reaching KBI, we crossed the México-USA Border at the Mariposa Port of Entry. The walk into México went rather smoothly – following the pathway straight until México was in sight. Besides a turnstile, our walk was rather peaceful, with views instead of much human interaction.
We arrived at KBI and saw families and children walking in and out of the center. Victor Yañez, S.J., the Director of Migrant Services at KBI, greeted us and spoke about the transformative and substantive work KBI does to support families and children that arrive in this border town. In addition, he gave us a quick tour of the center, mimicking the general path that individuals take upon arriving at KBI, from going to the reception area, to the outside patio offering COVID tests and food, to the central communal area where everyone gathers to eat, chat, and de-stress to the best of their abilities. On our tour, we saw families eating together and children running around and playing—living in the moment.
Later on, we had a zoom call with Chelsea Sachau, an attorney on the FIRRP Border Action Team, who told us about the work of the FIRRP Border Action Team and gave us updates on the immigration situation at the border. We heard about the new CBP One mobile application that individuals must use in order to schedule an appointment with a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Chelsea also spoke about new proposed regulations that will impact individuals trying to cross the border.
Words cannot describe the sentiments and impressions I felt walking around the KBI center and seeing the range of expressions portrayed by the adults and children there. Despite everyone’s current hardships and the adversities faced when encountering the immigration system, the KBI serves as a place of refuge—physically, mentally, and emotionally. For a couple of moments, these families and children can let loose, relax, smile, and even laugh to counterbalance the heavy weight on their shoulders as they embark on their journeys for better lives. Mothers feed their children and have a small moment of peace knowing their children and themselves are safe for the moment. As we left the KBI, I will never forget a little boy with the biggest smile I have ever seen who continuously waved goodbye to our group. Seeing that little boy’s smile, I knew exactly why KBI does the work that they do—work for which I endlessly commend them.
We walked back to the Mariposa Port of Entry to cross back into the US. It took us about 10 minutes for our group to be back on the US side. We then drove to the other Point of Entry in Nogales: the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry. We walked to the port and, similarly, had a rather straight path into México, except for yet another turnstile. Once on the México side, we encountered the shift in culture from one side to the other. Our group took a meal break and enjoyed some delicious tacos before going to our last stop of the day. (What is a trip to México without enjoying some authentic tacos on Mexican soil? Shoutout to Taquería Las Yaquis de Obregón for the delicious food!).
Finally, we all walked over to the México-USA border wall—tall, skinny, maroon-brown columns that are connected and hold the power of dividing México from US soil. We walked along the border wall for a few minutes, observing artwork at different points along the path, including one depicting the face of a 16-year-old boy that was killed at the border on October 10, 2021. As we walked, we took in the artwork and the meanings and emotions behind each one, communicating and uplifting different points of view and stories. One can only imagine the many stories and voices the land surrounding these tall columns has heard and witnessed.
This day was filled with many emotions for which I was not totally prepared. Despite the many times I have been to México, this was the first time I had witnessed México through a different lens—an important and empathetic lens. As I’m weeks away from finishing my law school journey, this immersion trip is my real reminder of why I even thought of law school to begin with. It is my reminder of the reason I do this work and want to continue doing this work—it is for those families that seek the slightest relief from their on-going hardships that prevent them from having a moment of peace. FIRRP and the KBI are beacons of life for many people. They have given “hope” meaning when it seems the hollowest thing in this world. Though I cannot say I had a favorite day on this trip (for the word “favorite” invokes a happy feeling that would dilute the seriousness of the situations), I can say this day left the strongest imprint on my mind and soul. I am both humbled and grateful to be wrapping up my time at law school with a walk of impact.
