US Border Patrol Raided Arizona Medical Aid Site Without Warrant, Exposing Growing Culture of Impunity.
Late last month, US Border Patrol agents raided a humanitarian aid station in the Arizona desert without obtaining a warrant. Three people were taken into custody, and one trailer was broken into as part of the raid. The incident has sparked outrage among advocates for migrants and asylum seekers, who say it highlights a growing culture of impunity within the Trump administration's front-line immigration enforcement agencies.
The aid station, operated by No More Deaths in Tucson, provides medical care to migrants crossing the US-Mexico border. Volunteers at the site reported that Border Patrol agents claimed they were in "hot pursuit" when they entered the group's trailer without a warrant. However, experts say this justification is often used to bypass due process and ignores the fundamental principle of obtaining a warrant before entering private property.
The raid on the aid station marks the third time in recent years that Border Patrol agents have targeted the site, which has long been used to provide medical care to migrants. The first two raids were carried out under the Obama administration, while this latest incident occurred during the Trump presidency.
Amy Knight, an attorney who has represented No More Deaths volunteers in the past, said there was no evidence to support the claim that agents were in "hot pursuit" of suspects. Instead, she argued that the raid showed a clear disregard for the law and the rights of those seeking asylum.
"No warrant is ever required when you are apprehending someone fleeing from an arrest," Knight said. "But in this case, there was no reason why they couldn't get a warrant."
The incident has raised concerns about the Trump administration's policies towards migrants and asylum seekers. Many advocate for stricter border controls, but critics argue that these measures often come at the cost of human rights.
"The government's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and basic human decency," said Monica Ruiz House, a No More Deaths volunteer who was involved in deportation defense work in Chicago. "This is not just an issue about immigration; it's about fundamental principles of justice and humanity."
As tensions rise over border control and asylum policies, advocates are calling on lawmakers to take action to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
"It's time for our elected officials to stand up for what's right," said Ruiz House. "We can't let impunity go unchecked."
Late last month, US Border Patrol agents raided a humanitarian aid station in the Arizona desert without obtaining a warrant. Three people were taken into custody, and one trailer was broken into as part of the raid. The incident has sparked outrage among advocates for migrants and asylum seekers, who say it highlights a growing culture of impunity within the Trump administration's front-line immigration enforcement agencies.
The aid station, operated by No More Deaths in Tucson, provides medical care to migrants crossing the US-Mexico border. Volunteers at the site reported that Border Patrol agents claimed they were in "hot pursuit" when they entered the group's trailer without a warrant. However, experts say this justification is often used to bypass due process and ignores the fundamental principle of obtaining a warrant before entering private property.
The raid on the aid station marks the third time in recent years that Border Patrol agents have targeted the site, which has long been used to provide medical care to migrants. The first two raids were carried out under the Obama administration, while this latest incident occurred during the Trump presidency.
Amy Knight, an attorney who has represented No More Deaths volunteers in the past, said there was no evidence to support the claim that agents were in "hot pursuit" of suspects. Instead, she argued that the raid showed a clear disregard for the law and the rights of those seeking asylum.
"No warrant is ever required when you are apprehending someone fleeing from an arrest," Knight said. "But in this case, there was no reason why they couldn't get a warrant."
The incident has raised concerns about the Trump administration's policies towards migrants and asylum seekers. Many advocate for stricter border controls, but critics argue that these measures often come at the cost of human rights.
"The government's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and basic human decency," said Monica Ruiz House, a No More Deaths volunteer who was involved in deportation defense work in Chicago. "This is not just an issue about immigration; it's about fundamental principles of justice and humanity."
As tensions rise over border control and asylum policies, advocates are calling on lawmakers to take action to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
"It's time for our elected officials to stand up for what's right," said Ruiz House. "We can't let impunity go unchecked."