COALITION FOR HUMANE IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 15, 2021
MIGRANTS ARRESTED AFTER PANGA BOAT WASHES ASHORE
MORE PROOF THAT "DON'T COME" IS NOT A POLICY
CHIRLA calls on CBP and ICE to ensure migrants detained in Rancho Palos Verdes after their panga boat washes ashore have access to legal representation.
LOS ANGELES -- The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, urged CBP, and ICE to ensure the protection of human rights and due process for nearly a dozen migrants detained Thursday near Rancho Palos Verdes, California, after their panga boat washed ashore.   CHIRLA made its national Immigrant Assistance Line available to families and loved ones of those detained who might need immigration legal services.  The number they can call is 888-624-4752.

Please attribute the following statements to Angelica Salas, CHIRLA Executive Director.

"Migrants are making incredible, life-altering decisions, including risking death, every day as they leave their countries of origin  seeking a better tomorrow in the U.S.   Many, tragically, do not make it.

That is why "Don't Come" is a false option.  People are desperate to save their lives and that of their family to the point of putting their lives in the hands of smugglers, human traffickers, and purveyors of false hopes.  Risking your life to save your life is a cruel reality for these individuals.  Our laws and policies must change to save human life."

"CHIRLA's immigrant assistance line, (888) 624-4752, is available for family members and loved ones of those detained who wish to consult an immigration attorney."