Kino Border Initiative

After one week here in Nogales I feel like I have more questions than answers. Which is a good thing. I am slowly learnnig about the services and situation here in Nogales. Further I am taking every opportunity possible to learn more about the individuals that have been left here on the border.



I have found the stories of each man and woman I have talked to very interesting and quite different. Stories of men who have worked in the United States for forty years and are deported beacuse of a parking ticket, or the high school student who crossed the border at the age of two and was deported with better English than Spanish. Or the brothers from Veracruz who have been stuck in Nogales because they cannot afford a ticket back home.


The line in front of KBI right before breakfast

There are several services here in Nogales for deported migrants. The popular group No More Deaths and the government group Grupo BETA. Further there are several private groups here in Nogales that run kitchens or shelters. Unfortunatly shelters are only available for 5 days and food for 15. I can't help but think that the services here in Nogales are only a band-aid. But I have a lot more to learn...


Before each breakfast one of the fathers says a prayer and gives much encouragement to the migrants.

However, the work of KBI is quite important. As a deported migrant, the men and women are quite vulnerable. Human traffiking, exploitation, and theft is prevelent amongst deported migrants. At KBI, only deported migrants are welcomed to the meal. This ensures that for one hour, the migrants will get a hearty meal in a safe environment.


Beans, eggs, a torta, and endless tortillas. The men and women certainly deserve it.


When available sandwiches are passed out as well as they exit. Reminded me of the Sam Center. Hope that sandiwch making at Le Moyne will be off to a good start!


When it rains it pours in Nogales...



I have not had a bad experience here, other than getting caught out in the rain for a few hours today. Builds character right? Despite the news that I had heard about the border concerning the safety, I have left extremely safe. Further, I have not found an individual, migrant or nonmigrant who is not eager to talk. Today I met a fella selling tacos on the street from Honduras who came to Nogales 27 years ago. We talked about Nogales, his family, my family... everything. Middle of conversation he threw two huge tacos into my hands (of course with beef or chicken or something), but I could not possibly turn them down. It is conversations with Jorge from Honduras that is what life is about.

Thank you all and I will write soon!