The Face of Christ
Photo by John Moore/Getty Images, https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/03/world/us-mexico-border-cnnphotos/.
These days a discussion of the problem of illegal immigration quickly deteriorates into a dispute along political lines. However, the Felician Sisters of North America see in the faces of migrants fleeing brutal conditions in their home countries the face of Christ [1][2].
The article below is by Sr. Maria Louise Edwards of Aguilas del Desierto whose mission is to reduce the death and suffering of migrants in the desert along the southern border.
Aquilas receives over 2500 calls for help a year. Urgent calls are relayed to federal authorities closest to the suspected area.
Regularly scheduled searches (covering 10 to 12 miles/day) are conducted twice monthly by the Felicians. Most rescues are coordinated with the Border Patrol.
“…As Felicians, we are called to care for the marginalized with compassion and without judgment…There is a lot of debate these days about immigration and the security of our southern border, but the truth is, people are dying the the desert trying to get to the US. It doesn’t matter why, it doesn’t matter whether it’s right. What matters is that living beings are suffering. They need help, and they deserve dignity for the light of God inside of them…”
“In the first nine months of 2023, nearly one-third of all US Border Control Southwest Land Border Crossings were along the border in Arizona, accounting for 398,052 crossings….Of the deaths recorded by Border Patrol in FY2021, 19% were found in the Arizona border area…
We conduct a prevention campaign throughout Mexico and put posters up in all the migrant centers…Often migrants are afraid to call 911; they don’t trust law enforcement but feel safe calling Aguilas…
Aguilas has always been and will continue to be a humanitarian effort only. We do not fall on one side or the other of the debate on immigration. [Emphasis added.] We are focused on rescuing people who are in extreme danger of dying of thirst and exposure in the desert and treating the remains of people who succumbed to death with the dignity and respect that all human life deserves…
Hundreds of people are dying, and nobody knows. If we don’t pay attention or if we try to distance ourselves, we lose what makes us human. They are fathers and sons, daughters and mothers. They are God’s children, and they are dying alone every day. This should never be okay… [3]”
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[1] CNN, “Inside the border crisis: Photos from the front lines” by Kyle Almond, https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2018/03/world/us-mexico-border-cnnphotos/.
[2] The 2023 film “Io Capitano” tells a similarly harrowing story in relation to African migrants. See, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2024-02-13/io-capitano-migrant-story-pope-approved.
[3] Felician – The Magazine of the Felician Sisters of North America, Winter 2023, pp. 23-25, “Aguilas See Christ in Modern Day Refugees” by Sr. Maria Louise Edwards.
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
By technical definition asylum seekers are not illegal migrants – it is never illegal to seek asylum or refuge, whatever means they take.
I agree that many migrants illegally crossing US borders may actually be asylum seekers, fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries. However, asylum must be sought through legal means. Stringent requirements determine who qualifies. Unfortunately, our government has not always honored its obligations, in this regard. And few of the poor have the funds for legal counsel to assist with the process.
Sad to say, drug smugglers, human traffickers, gang members, potential terrorists, and other criminals are, also, among those crossing US borders illegally. That is part of what makes the topic so contentious, politically.
That is true, Anna. And it’s the same here. It’s really sad.
💔
Thank you for letting us know about the Aquilas mission, Anna. So many in such dire straits! May we remember them and those who help them before our Lord Jesus in prayer.
You are more than welcome, Dora. ❤