Bishop John Wester meets with Border Angels

Intermountain Catholic

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IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

Bishop John C. Wester is paid a visit Feb. 15 by members of the Border Angels. On a caravan trip through states that are rarely visited by cross-country marchers and caravans of advocates, the Border Angels were on their way from San Diego to Washington hoping to heighten the awareness of people to the peril faced by immigrants crossing the border through the desert. Founded by long-time human rights activist Enrique Morones (on the bishop's left), the Border Angels set water and blankets out in the desert for the use of immigrants crossing the border. "We are a faith-based, all volunteer organization," Morones said. "If we don't help these people, they will continue to die in their effort to find a better life for themselves and their families." Morones estimates from two to three people die every day since the Department of Homeland Security has begun building a wall along the Mexican-U.S. border. "We hope to bring to Washington the stories we hear about the people making the dangerous trip through the desert," Morones said. He started Border Angels in 1968, and is the founder and first director of Mexico's Border Commission, an advisory group to Mexican President Vicente Fox and part of Mexico's Institute of Mexicans Abroad. The Border Angels have been featured on all major television networks as they continue their advocacy on behalf of immigrants.