Protesters organize to end crisis at U.S. – Mexico border

In an coordinated statewide protest, activists from PICO California, one of the state’s largest grassroots, faith-based organizing networks, demanded local leaders take action to protect the migrants awaiting asylum at the U.S.- Mexico border.

Organizers issued a set of demands to Members of Congress across the state and here locally at Congressman Raul Ruiz’s office.

The goal is to push leaders to take a more aggressive approach to speed up the asylum application process and move forward policies that would not allow the use of force against migrants.

The group also hopes to defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) — two agencies tasked with protecting the border and providing homeland security.

Joseph McKellar, co-director of PICO California said, “We are called to mourn with those who mourn and celebrate with those who celebrate. On Dec. 6, we’ll be standing in solidarity with women and children suffering at the U.S./Mexico border. On that day, their plea will be our plea.”