This case was an attempt to excuse crimes on the basis of religious freedom. The group of volunteers trying to help illegal immigrants was accused of trespassing into a wilderness area. One of their defenses is described by one of the lawyers in Tucson court cases could upend long-standing status quo for border aid:
Warren’s lawyers also asked Velasco to dismiss two human-smuggling counts, arguing he was acting according to his sincerely-held beliefs that his actions were protected by religious freedom.
Not so fast, counselor. 'No More Deaths' Volunteers Face Possible Jail Time For Aiding Migrants:
Volunteers who've been caught leaving water and food for migrants have gotten into big trouble. Four No More Deaths volunteers were convicted after leaving supplies in the Cabeza Prieta refuge. Magistrate Judge Bernardo Velasco found them guilty of abandonment of property and of entering the refuge without a permit. They face sentencing on Friday.
Statement by #Cabeza9 defendants:
We may have been found guilty but the real crime is the government’s deliberate policy to use “death as a deterrent” at the US/Mexico border. The criminalization of those acting in solidarity is a classic example of the ramping up of an authoritarian regime.
Breaking the law to help others break the law -- isn't that trying to say two wrongs make a right? And would a border wall have deterred illegal immigration in the first place?
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3:49 PM 3/4/2019
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