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Border Wall Protest March Aug. 27-31

From Southwest Environmental Center: All SWEC members and supporters—especially those in El Paso–are invited to join in a protest march August 27-31 against the proposed 57-mile border wall along the Rio Grande in west Texas. This 15-foot high wire mesh fence would block wildlife access to the river—one of the most important wildlife habitats in the Southwest—and fragment wildlife populations on both sides of the border. The proposed accompanying stadium lighting would disrupt wildlife behavior, including migratory birds. The fence is part of a fast-tracked plan to build a wall along much of the U.S./Mexico border. We can see the possible need for such a fence in an urban center, but not in rural west Texas where most of it will be located. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has waived all environmental laws and effectively eliminated any public comment on the proposal. SWEC has joined with human rights organizations in condemning this band-aid (and ultimately ineffective) approach to border security.
The march will cover the distance of the proposed fence, beginning in Fort Hancock (about 50 miles east of El Paso) and finishing in Sunland Park (NM). (See attached flier for the route map). You can join the march for any portion, or in its entirety. Here is a message forwarded from the event planners:
We are urging you to join the Peace and Unity March against the wall. On Wednesday evening, August 27, marchers will gather at Ft. Hancock for a  cultural event to celebrate the beginning of the March. On Thursday August 28, the participants will walk to Alamo Alto. Friday, August 29, the march will stop to rest and a community event in Tornillo and end the day in Fabens. The march will continue Saturday, August 30, and will  make a rest stop in San Elizario for a community action, to continue to  Socorro. After a morning ceremony in Ysleta del Sur on Sunday, August 31, the march will continue to El Paso. A binational act in  Anapra/Sunland Park will end the protest.
Those wishing to take part in the march can do so in a number of ways.  Marchers are invited to participate for the entire five days, for any  shorter amount of time or for the nightly events only. Donations of  food, water, and transportation are needed along with monetary  contributions. Whether or not you take part in any other way, everyone  can help the march by publicizing it and discussing the issues with your  friends, family, and neighbors. Now is the time to act, now is the time to create the change we want to  see. With this march, we will show the world that we are one community  united against the wall: one voice speaking out for peace. Join the march!

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