100 Mexicans arrested in latest U.S. anti-immigrant operation

By Javier RodrĂ*guez

México, Nov. 23 (PL).— In the latest anti-immigration operation in the United States, dubbed "Zero Tolerance," 100 Mexican citizens were jailed and charged with crimes, it was announced today.

The operation was carried out by the U.S. Border Patrol along the area dividing Laredo, Texas and Mexican territory, and had been officially announced 20 days previously.

Instead of simply deporting Mexicans caught trying to cross the border without documentation, under the new policy they are incarcerated in distant federal prisons and charged with crimes that can be punished with further prison time and large fines.

This new policy is an intensification of Washington’s repressive policies against those who go north seeking work and was condemned by participants in the recently-held Parliament of Migrant Workers of Mexico. They described it as a violation of human rights because of the unjust manner in which they are kept incarcerated for an undetermined time and without the possibility of returning to their nation.

The U.S. Border Patrol itself confirmed to local media that 100 Mexicans had been arrested to date and charged with the federal crime of trying to enter the United States illegally.

Immigrant-rights activists also said that these operations include the placement of all types of barriers along the border, causing immigrants to take more dangerous routes to make the crossing.

From 1986 to date, 10,000 Mexicans have died of hunger, thirst or in the course of being pursued in desert and mountain areas, including women and children.

Translated by Granma International •

http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2007/noviem ... 8mexi.html