Calexico residents protest land sale to build border wall
CALEXICO, Calif.(KYMA, KECY) - On Thursday's Calexico City Council meeting, they discussed whether to sell 2.5 acres of land to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build another part of the new wall, with a price tag of $26,700. The council ultimately decided they need to further discuss this and did not vote on it.
This has been met with tons of criticism from community members claiming it will “further militarize their small community."
“It would separate us even more and will put danger in the lives of many people in Calexico and those who live near the wall will be affected by it,” said Angel De Dios, Organizer of Familia del Valle.
“More borders would mean more deaths, more than twelve thousand people have died since Operation Guardian was initiated in 1994,” said Hugo Castro, Advocate from Coalition of Human Immigrant Rights.
Imperial Valley Equity and Justice Coalition Organizer Luis Flores has been part of mobilizing this effort and says living two blocks north of the fence he has seen what he calls the "militarization" first-hand. “Helicopters are driving by, Border Patrol cars are driving fast and I’ve been questioned myself by Border Patrol. It just all seems like a show,” said Flores.
On social media, critics have been calling it “Rosie’s wall” referencing Calexico Mayor Rosie Fernandez.
Newly appointed council member Raul Ureña said Mayor Fernandez has been leading efforts to get this passed. “This offer was made by Rosie Fernandez without a vote, the document was signed by Rosie Fernandez without a vote and is now before us at the council,” said Ureña.
In the Council meeting, Mayor Fernandez said she did sign the document without the knowledge of her fellow council members.
The protestors offered alternatives to what the land could be used for. One protestor recommended the plot of land be used to build housing for Farmworkers.
“That land that they are proposing to sell can be used in creating a big building where these field workers can have a warm place to stay while they are working,” said Carlos Fitch, San Diego State Student.
