To: President Donald Trump
President Obama: End Border Patrol's Pro-Murder Policy
I am angry and frustrated that Border Patrol plans to continue its inhumane policy of responding to rock-throwing on the Mexican side of the border with deadly force.
I ask you to direct the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to adhere to use-of-force policy recommendations made by independent investigators. Doing so is a real step towards making the border safer for all of America.
I ask you to direct the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to adhere to use-of-force policy recommendations made by independent investigators. Doing so is a real step towards making the border safer for all of America.
Why is this important?
President Obama needs to rein in the murderous tendencies of his Border Patrol. Last year, Border Patrol killed a 16 year old Mexican boy named José Antonio Elena Rodríguez who was accused of throwing rocks over the fence at the US-Mexico border. Local police said there was little chance the rocks ever would’ve hit someone on the other side, but that didn’t stop Border Patrol from shooting him 11 times -- at least 10 of those times in the back.
Since then, a government-commissioned independent review board recommended that Border Patrol end the practice of responding to rock throwing with gunfire. Border Patrol refused.
Since 2010, Border Patrol killed Jose Antonio and seven other people in rock throwing incidents. They’ve killed 18 people total in alleged excessive force incidents in the same timeframe. Border Patrol has a serious problem, and it’s time for President Obama to take control of the out of control agency.
Responding to rocks with gunfire is not self-defense -- in the face of a rock attack Border Patrol agents have numerous options including tactical engagement so that agents can be safe when approaching a scenario or control the area from further back.
When the Administration agreed to review its use of force policies earlier this year, it seemed like real change was imminent. Now it just looks like another cheap public relations move. The Obama Administration’s decision threatens to destroy the thin trust developed between border communities and the Department of Homeland Security.
We demand real change at the border -- the Obama administration must respect human life. Please sign our petition calling on President Obama to stop Border Patrol from using deadly force against rock throwers at the border.
Since then, a government-commissioned independent review board recommended that Border Patrol end the practice of responding to rock throwing with gunfire. Border Patrol refused.
Since 2010, Border Patrol killed Jose Antonio and seven other people in rock throwing incidents. They’ve killed 18 people total in alleged excessive force incidents in the same timeframe. Border Patrol has a serious problem, and it’s time for President Obama to take control of the out of control agency.
Responding to rocks with gunfire is not self-defense -- in the face of a rock attack Border Patrol agents have numerous options including tactical engagement so that agents can be safe when approaching a scenario or control the area from further back.
When the Administration agreed to review its use of force policies earlier this year, it seemed like real change was imminent. Now it just looks like another cheap public relations move. The Obama Administration’s decision threatens to destroy the thin trust developed between border communities and the Department of Homeland Security.
We demand real change at the border -- the Obama administration must respect human life. Please sign our petition calling on President Obama to stop Border Patrol from using deadly force against rock throwers at the border.