Rally held to protest border patrol searches of Greyhound buses
Volunteers with the American Civil Liberties Unity gathered at the Greyhound bus station in Indio for one purpose, making sure riders know their rights.
“What they’re doing is unacceptable and I think being racially profiled should not be tolerated,” said Carlos Pineda, an ACLU volunteer.
Pineda is referring to two incidents this year where people were removed from Greyhound buses in Indio by border patrol agents.
The most recent case involving a man that agents say had “suspicious shoes.”
“According to border patrol, they weren’t wearing shoelaces and much of a ‘border crosser,'” Luis Nolasco, ACLU volunteer, added.
The ACLU is calling these cases warrantless raids and mobilized people to hand out pamphlets to riders at four greyhound stations across Southern California. The pamphlets mostly informed people that they have the right to remain silent.
“We cannot express how important that remaining silent will help folks stay out of trouble. Not saying where you’re from, just remaining silent is super helpful,” Nolasco said.
One rider said he doesn’t believe border patrol agents should get on buses without warrants.
“We have rights, whether you are legal or illegal,” said Jose Chavez Cervantes, a bus rider.
Mel Sarowitz, an Indio resident, said he feels no law-abiding rider should have to fear getting on the bus.
“I think they should go after the criminal elements that they supposedly want to get rid of. I don’t think too many criminals are going to be traveling Greyhound today or tomorrow,” Sarowitz said.
However, some people feel the enforcement is necessary, a sign was posted stating that reporting illegals saves lives and it included the phone number to ICE. It was removed by a Greyhound employee, volunteers say they will continue to distribute information.
