BNHR Statement Regarding 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Decision

Fernando Garcia, executive director for Border Network for Human Rights, today released this statement regarding the decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to temporarily halt a ruling by a Texas federal judge prohibiting the Trump administration from using federal funds in the border wall construction. 

“We are extremely disappointed at the decision from the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in its ruling regarding the legality of using funds appropriated by Congress for other purposes toward the construction of the ill-conceived Border Wall. While the case will not end here, it’s unfortunate that the court completely ignored the arguments of a federal judge about the executive branch’s illegal relocation of funds without Congress’ approval. The power of the purse was specifically given to Congress in the Constitution and we think the courts should respect that. Moreover, the decision ignores the damage this wall is having on border communities by spreading fear and anxiety. Trump has created a false narrative that paints the border region and cities such as El Paso as dangerous places that need to be militarized. Those who live and work here know that  is far from the truth. BNHR and its legal team are assessing our next steps but we will not stop fighting for our border communities and for the values and principles with which this nation was founded.” 

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The Border Network for Human Rights, founded in 1998, is one of the leading human rights advocacy and immigration reform organizations in the U.S. BNHR has over 7,000 members in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.