CPTnet
27 May 2005

DOUGLAS, ARIZONA: CPT Arizona paints crosses on wall dividing U.S. and
Mexico

At sunrise on Wednesday, 25 May, the CPT Arizona team painted white crosses
on the U.S. side of the wall separating Mexico from the United States to
remember those who have died attempting to cross the border. The team
prayed for forgiveness for their complicity and silence in a failed U.S.
immigration policy that has led to migrants attempting to cross the border
at the most dangerous spots. They then spray-painted white crosses on the
wall, and wrote the names and dates of the three migrants who died already
this year in Cochise County, where the team has their base. During the
ritual, the team called out the names of the three migrants and hammered on
the wall. The wall is constructed of landing pad material used during the
Vietnam War.

U.S. immigration policy has led to increased militarization of the border
around population areas, causing migrants to cross the border in dangerous
and remote desert regions. As a result, last year, 231 migrants died in the
desert on their way to the United States. During this week alone, twelve
migrants died attempting to cross into the United States from Mexico.
Because of unemployment and falling crop prices, migrants leave their home
countries for the U.S. in search of jobs and a better life for themselves
and their families. Migrants accept low-paying and sometimes dangerous jobs
that most U.S. citizens do not wish to do.

CPT Arizona will pray and paint a new cross on the U.S. side of the border
wall each time a migrant dies in Cochise County this year. For pictures of
the action, go to http://www.cpt.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album114