Border Journey – March for Jose Antonio

by Global Ministries | published on Oct 10, 2014

More than 200 people marched in Nogales on April 10 to commemorate the six month anniversary of the murder of 16-year-old José Antonio Elena Rodriguez by the Border Patrol. José was walking along International Street when a Border Patrol agent fired into Nogales, Sonora on the night of November 10. The autopsy report was released in February and shows that José was shot once in the head and seven times in the back.

José’s family installed a cross on the sidewalk where he was killed. Father Ricardo blessed the cross and people placed flowers and candles there in remembrance of José.

The Border Patrol claims the agent fired in self-defense after rocks were thrown at agents who were pursuing two drug smugglers. Their brief statement noted that the agent “discharged his service weapon” and “one of the suspects appeared to have been hit.”

Isidro Alvarez was an eyewitness to the killing and he spoke at the press conference prior to the march. He was walking behind José and heard gunshots and saw him fall. Isidro did not see or hear any rocks being thrown.

There is a surveillance tower about 100 yards from where José was killed and the cameras would have recorded the shooting. The F.B.I. is still investigating the case six months later. “I want to know who they are” said Aracely, José’s mother. “I want them arrested and I want justice.”

The bipartisan group of eight senators announced their immigration reform bill on April 16. It includes $3 billion to increase border surveillance, $1.5 billion to build more walls and fences, and funding to hire another 3,500 border agents. This support for increased militarization of the border will likely result in more marches and vigils here in Nogales in the future.

In love and solidarity,

Scott Nicholson

Scott Nicholson, a member of University Congregational UCC in Missoula, Montana, serves with BorderLinks in Nogales, Mexico as a volunteer at the Community Center.