Choice quote:

"The problem of illegal immigration has been left to fester for decades. Every effort to address it has provoked a groundswell of angry obstructionism and demagoguery. Disingenuous calls for greater border security are now part of that obstructionism. The President blames, quite rightly, congressional Republicans for blocking reform, but plenty of Democrats, both in Congress and in the statehouses, have no stomach for tackling the issue, either—certainly not in an election year. Given the emotions that the topic arouses, the battle to pass immigration reform may end up making the struggle over health care look mild. It is time, nonetheless, to try to finally bring millions of men, women, and children in from the dark." link

Today, I am praying for the families of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas and Sergio Adrian Hernandez Guereca. Rojas' heart stopped after being tazered and Sergio was shot and killed. Both at the hands of U.S. Border Patrol agents.

I said recently that I wasn't certain what God would think about particular issues. But I'm certain these deaths break God's heart. Armed agents slaying boys with rocks is inexcusable. Were this man and boy breaking laws? Yes. Did they deserve to die? No.

So, I'm praying for these families today. But I'm also praying for repentant hearts of the agents. And I am praying that the leaders of this land will reconsider policies.

I don't want to take away from the palpable grief of these families. But we would be deceiving ourselves if we neglected to recognize that these deaths are a result of our border related policies. Viewing Mexican news footage of the family grieving Sergio's death, I can see the stark economic difference between his family and mine. Economic relations with Latin America, border enforcement policies and immigration laws are all related to each other. With that in mind, I am hoping for a holistic rather than myopic or partisan view of these issues. And I am praying that we will be motivated by hope, not fear or naive idealism. Lastly, I realize that I can not rest this solely upon the shoulders of agents and politicians. I participate in this system. How I shop, how I vote and how I treat others need to be a reflection of my prayer today. So, I'm praying for the wisdom and capacity to live as Christ did amongst those of my neighbors that while different... are still neighbors.

My friend, Emily, took photos at La Posada Sin Frontera today. It was quite a somber celebration in many ways–though I'm deeply grateful to all of those that put so much effort into organizing it. The road was closed, as it has been in some years past due to rain, which kept some folks away. And only 25 people were allowed into the monument area at a time, at 30 minute slots. Only two groups were allowed total. It felt more like prison visitation than the festive celebration it has been in previous years. Still, we celebrated our common life in Christ and this region and it was beautiful for that alone.

Sadly even something this innocent is no longer allowed

"The 800 Mile Wall documents, in great detail, the ineffective and deadly results of a failed border policy and offers some thoughts and on how the current human rights crisis may be resolved. Directed by John Carlos Frey and Produced by Jack Lorenz. Running Time: 90 min."

My friend, John Fenastil shares what we've experienced when serving communion at Friendship Park and why we believe what we have now is not enough. More on John's work here: http://www.foundation4change.org/