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.
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| "Peace and Justice on the Border" |
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| Father Ricardo |
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| Aracely |
