ACLU community forum to focus on human, civil rights on the border

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas will hold a community meeting Thursday in Brownsville to discuss human rights and civil rights issues on the border.  

The event is co-sponsored by the Coalition of Amigos in Solidarity and Action (CASA).  Border residents are urged to attend the meeting to voice their concerns about the border wall, immigration detention centers, and collaboration between local law enforcement officers and the Border Patrol, among other issues.

"We really want to hear from border residents about what worries them, what issues are important in their communities," said Rebecca Bernhardt, Director of Policy Development at the ACLU of Texas, "and what they want for their communities in the future."

The meeting will include "Know Your Rights" training about residents' legal rights in law enforcement encounters, and attorneys and other advocates will be available to answer questions from community members.

"This information is important for residents so they know what to do when they are approached by police officers or border patrol officers in their homes, in their cars, and on the street," Bernhardt said.  "They will learn what law enforcement constitutionally can and cannot do."

CASA member E. Elizabeth Garcia said CASA is getting complaints from community members that during routine traffic stops police officers are asking about their immigration status.

"Many in our community live in fear of being targeted and subjected to invasive, inappropriate questioning," Garcia said.  "For this reason, we want to provide community members with an opportunity to discuss their experiences as well as information on how to handle these types of incidents."

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at San Felipe de Jesus Church, 2218 Carlos Avenue. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the ACLU of Texas, visit www.aclutx.org.