FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2023

EL PASO, Texas – On Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023, the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR), the Frontera Texas Organizing Project (FTOP) held a press conference to officially declare a "State of Alert and Resistance" in Texas amidst the alarming impacts Operation Lone Star (OLS) has bestowed upon border residents and residents of color, immigrants, and refugees. This declaration was signed by 66 organizations based in Texas.

This declaration was issued before Gov. Abbott signed dangerous passage of anti-immigrant legislation such as Senate Bill 3 (88-4) and Senate Bill 4 (88-4), which is expected to be signed this afternoon in Brownsville, Texas. 

"Gov. Abbott has left us no choice but to resist. We will not be intimidated, pushed to the shadows, or withdraw human and civil rights education and organizing from our communities. Instead, through this declaration, the BNHR, the Frontera Texas Coalition, and dozens of other Texas organizations pledge their commitment to resisting the anti-immigrant, racist, and xenophobic agenda led by Gov. Abbott," said Fernando Garcia, executive Director of the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR).

"There is no limit to the terror Governor Greg Abbott brings upon Texans. Bill after Bill, pushed by Abbott and his political allies, has allowed our home state to become a 'safe place' for a small group of people who are xenophobic and anti-immigrant while also becoming a hostile place for the majority of Texans who simply want to be free and live safely with their families," said Tania A. Chavez Camacho, Executive Director at La Unión Del Pueblo Entero and LUPE Votes. "LUPE and our members will continue to march, testify, and organize against these policies in the courts and in the streets. This is our home, and we will organize until all Texans are free, the working class, mixed-status families, immigrants, and families across the state. ¡Si se puede!,” added Tania Chavez.

"Gov. Abbott's anti-immigrant agenda hurts all Texans, it's time for all communities, businesses, elected officials to unite against hatred before it expands to other states and the nation. I have full faith that all Texans want to live in communities that are welcoming to all and take pride in the values that have made our beloved state great: providing comfort to those who are afraid, food and shelter to those who are hungry and unhoused, compassion to those who are here without family or friends, generosity to those who need to make a living, and openness to learning about another's culture. This is the Texas I am striving to create for my children and my community. I look forward to the day when Texas is once again a state that truly lives up to its motto of friendship. The time to start working toward that is now," said Ilse Hernandez, Texas Regional Organizer at Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).

"We are not afraid to speak out against and resist these injustices, because we know that we are not alone. We are part of a diverse and powerful movement that spans across the nation and the world, and that is rooted in the values of compassion, solidarity, and justice. We are inspired by the courage and resilience of our fellow border residents, immigrants, and refugees who are fighting for their survival and dignity, and who are enriching our culture and society with their contributions and dreams. We are supported by the expertise and resources of the grassroots organizations, allies, and advocates who are working tirelessly to expose the truth, challenge the status quo, and create positive change," said Amerika Garcia, Founder of Border Vigil. "We, the Border Vigil, call on all people of conscience to join us in our state of alert and resistance, and to take action to protect and defend our borderlands, our communities, and our humanity. Together, we can stop the violence and oppression, and build a more just and humane future for all," added Amerika Garcia.

"Border Workers United is proud to join our Frontera Texas partners in this action. Today we are sending a clear message of solidarity to all Texans, not just our immigrant and refugee communities but all the people we strive to serve and uplift. The reality we are experiencing today calls for resistance," said Lupita Sanchez, Executive Director of Border Workers United. "We will not sit idly by and watch these policies destroy our values and terrorize our families. Together, as Texans, we will stand up for our dignity and fight for the protection of our rights," added Lupita Sanchez.

"At ARISE Adelante, we remain committed to providing our communities with the necessary tools and education to safeguard their rights during this arduous time. We join our partners in this stateof alert and resistance to continue building the momentum and community capacity to make our voices heard and make meaningful change," said Lourdes Flores, Executive Director at ARISE Adelante. "Our communities are not alone and together, we will protect each other. We have done it in the past, and this time around, it will be no different," added Lourdes Flores.

Additionally, today, the Frontera Texas Coalition will host a peaceful protest ahead of Gov. Abbott's signing of SB 3 and SB 4 in Brownsville, Texas. Dozens of community members are expected to convene at 2:30 pm CST at the Mexican Consulate Plaza 301 Mexico Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78520.

"This is the first step of a statewide resistance journey where we will provide hundreds of border residents and other marginalized communities with "know your rights" trainings, community forums, mobilizations, and advocacy to guarantee the protection of our communities. We will resist," added Fernando Garcia.

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