KBI May Announcements

As part of the KBI’s advocacy efforts, staff members travel to meetings, conferences and government offices to share information and ideas. And the 2015 Annual Report, outlining the work and successes of the past year, will be available this summer.

• Representing the KBI: Last month, Director of Education an Advocacy Joanna Williams participated in the quarterly Customs and Border Protection–NGO working group meeting held in McAllen, Texas. The two-and-a-half day gathering included tours of the McAllen Border Patrol Station, the Ursula Special Processing Center (where unaccompanied minors and families are held as they await transfers) and the border area. Discussions covered topics of major concern, such as adequate screening for asylum eligibility, detention conditions, and use of force by Border Patrol agents.
• Presenting the KBI’s Findings: Migrant Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator Marla Conrad gave a presentation in mid-April at a Washington, D.C. conference sponsored by the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). As part of a panel discussion, she elaborated on research the KBI contributed to the recent WOLA report, An Uncertain Path: Justice for Crimes and Human Rights Violations against Migrants and Refugees in Mexico. Marla also visited several congressional offices to express concerns about abuses by Mexican immigration officials and an increase in violent crimes against migrants and refugees traveling through Mexico.

KBI Annual Report: This summer, the KBI will release its 2015 Annual Report, an overview of the reality at the border and the notable events and activities of the past year. Please look for the report in your mailbox soon, or email us to request a copy at ifuentes@kinoborderinitiative.org. Thanks to all our donors, volunteers and partner organizations who help the KBI respond to the crisis at the border with both urgency and compassion.