Thread by @ACLU_BRC

Our staff is at the Gateway International Bridge between Brownsville and Matomoros this morning, as a group of asylum seekers blocked the bridge in peaceful protest of the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP) program that forces them to live in squalid conditions in Mexico.

This protest is a clear illustration of the desperation migrants face as a result of @CBP’s violation of their rights.

Their peaceful demonstration demands that their rights, dignity, and safety be respected and demonstrates the need to immediately #EndMPP.

@CBP .@CBP has been carrying out its unlawful and cruel MPP policy in the Rio Grande Valley for months, returning vulnerable asylum seekers to Tamaulipas – a Mexican state that has the same State Department “do not travel’ advisory for all travelers as Syria.

@CBP Asylum seekers forcibly returned to Matamoros have experienced kidnapping, rape, extortion, disappearances, and death trying to re-enter the US.

Thousands are stranded in a growing encampment where they lack access to sanitary living conditions and health care.

@CBP Hundreds of children are stranded in the camp, along with numerous pregnant women and other particularly vulnerable groups.

The camp, where people face continuing food and water insecurity, is unsafe and many need medical attention. n.pr/2oXhKCl

@CBP The US and Mexican governments have a moral obligation to meet migrants’ very basic needs and ensure migrants’ safety as they seek asylum.

Both governments should work with the international community to address this situation urgently.

@CBP The Trump administration should immediately #EndMPP.

At a minimum, they should cease returning asylum seekers to Tamaulipas, remove all particularly vulnerable populations from the program, including pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ persons.

@CBP The families and children that @CBP continues to subject to the abusive MPP policy seek what we all want in life – safety. #EndMPP