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Border Patrol Arrests "No More Deaths" Volunteers
[TUSCON] Two volunteers with the humanitarian organization "No More Deaths" were arrested for transporting illegal immigrants around noon Saturday afternoon. Spokespeople for the group say the volunteers were trying to save the lives of dehydrated illegal immigrants when they were arrested. Out of a group of seven illegal immigrants found late Saturday morning, three were deemed by volunteers to be in need of immediate medical attention.The United States Border Patrol says no matter the cause for transporting illegal immigrants, the volunteers were breaking the law. Volunteers say it would compromise their effort if they called law enforcement officials. Immigrants might not seek help if they think authorities will be called. "We've been putting them in the car for years and Border Patrol has repeatedly over the years approved of our protocol and said that's okay. We never take people to places other than places absolutely necessary for medical attention and humanitarian aid." "We've gone on record before saying do not do this. Do not transport illegal aliens in your car. We will arrest you and pursue prosecution. That's not a secret at all," said Andrea Zortman, Border Patrol Agent. "No More Deaths" and the Border Patrol disagree sharply on the condition of the illegal immigrants in question. "No More Deaths" says the immigrants were either extremely dehydrated or injured... Border Patrol agents say the undocumented immigrants' condition is not as dire as volunteers suggest. The volunteers will be arraigned Monday. Border Patrol is not releasing the names of those arrested. Posted by: Slaving Shaimp1614 2005-07-14 |
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