By Caroline Iosso, RCBR Project Coordinator
 

"Well, I pepper spray them in the face, of course, drag them to the ground, kick them, and handcuff them” The U.S. Border Patrol agent laughed and waited a beat before giving a more vague, but less horrifying answer to my question regarding what an apprehension at the border looks like.

His answers to my other questions began the same way—a sarcastic remark before, or instead of, a serious response.  I asked him if, in his opinion, as a veteran agent, there was truly a need for more Border Patrol agents at the U.S.-Mexico border. 

“Do the Yankees want more hitters?” he said.  Again, he laughed, as though my question were preposterous.

I asked my last question, sure that I would elicit something genuine: “Why did you become a Border Patrol agent?” “Because I wanted to hold a gun,” he asserted.
I was talking with a member of the Border Patrol’s Public Affairs Office in front of a stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border wall near El Paso, Texas.  The 18 members of my group had formed a semi-circle around him and his fellow agent who had come to speak to the Border Servant Corps, an organization I had recently joined.   We were there as part of our orientation to the region.

I’d visited the border wall previously, over a year ago, in Arizona.  Like the last time, the barrier struck me first as bizarre—a towering construction blocking one arbitrary piece of land from another.

This time, the wall seemed all the more strange when a young boy and his little sister on the Mexican side began a conversation with some of the members of my group before our speakers arrived. When the Border Patrol’s green striped van pulled up and our meeting began, the children in a separate country, kept from us by a big ugly fence, made for an eerie backdrop.

I have strong feelings and beliefs with regard to the work of the Border Patrol, but I was thoroughly shocked by the casual and offensive nature of the Public Affairs agent’s remarks.  I had wanted a genuine conversation, but I understand better now that the conversation of my dreams is never going to be a reality.

Encapsulated in this agent’s flippant answers is effectively the Border Patrol’s institutional attitude of disregard.  I want to bring to the table topics like human and civil rights, appropriate government spending, and, in my most hopeful fantasies, the ideologies behind the existence and maintenance of borders. But the Border Patrol—and the political apparatus of which it is part--won’t have that kind of discussion.

As much as I’d like to believe that the agent as one bad apple (like the singular bad apples that abuse migrants in detention centers, and shoot at boys throwing rocks), he’s a spokesperson for the cruelty and ignorance of a large and powerful federal agency.  He didn’t have one thoughtful or gentle comment to make about these undeniably complex emotional realities of the border.

I heard this same self-exculpating, emotionless script from his fellow agent—the regurgitated reminder of their role as “law enforcers, not law makers!”—and the delicate racist notes in her story of growing up in El Paso, and having her bike stolen repeatedly by Mexicans looking to make a profit in their home country.  These are not comments made by representatives of an agency that has a stake in family reunification or a long-term memory that might give historical perspective to immigration issues.

Almost a month after this encounter, I think about the male agent’s words almost every day—when I’m giving Know Your Rights presentations to groups in Las Cruces, New Mexico; when I’m talking with my housemate who works in a domestic violence shelter; when I’m listening to community groups rallying support around immigration reform. I remind myself that the agent is the part of the system we are working against—a laughing, uniformed, one whose arrogance is wreaking havoc.

This article first appeared September 18 in the Northern American Congress on Latin America "Border Wars" Blog.

Today, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico and the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign announced that Albuquerque native and star of TV’s “Modern Family” Jesse Tyler Ferguson will visit his home state to support local efforts to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Ferguson and his spouse, Justin Mikita, will unveil their new collaboration with Taos Pueblo native and “Project Runway” finalist Patricia Michaels, who has designed a stunning New Mexico-themed bowtie for Ferguson and Mikita’s Tie The Knot Foundation.

Using a fun play on words, Tie The Knot was founded to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of marriage equality in the United States through art, fashion and entertainment. Combining elements of humor, style and individuality—Tie The Knot releases a limited edition collection of neckwear each season. Tie The Knot was founded to benefit foundations that support marriage equality.

“I am excited to return to my home state to support all the fantastic work being done to win the freedom to marry in New Mexico,” said Jesse Tyler Ferguson. “In July, after the Supreme Court overturned Prop 8 in California, my husband Justin Mikita and I tied the knot. Having our relationship recognized and respected means a lot to us, and we want the same for loving, committed couples in New Mexico.”

The Patricia Michaels bowtie will benefit the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign. This public education project is designed to increase support for the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in the state. Ferguson is also a celebrity ambassador for the ACLU’s national Out for Freedom campaign.

“In his role as a gay dad in 'Modern Family', Jesse Tyler Ferguson has shown millions of Americans that same-sex couples and their families are similar to other families,” said ACLU-NM Executive Director Peter Simonson. “We are honored that he has chosen to partner with the Why Marriage Matters New Mexico campaign and talented New Mexican artist Patricia Michaels to help promote respect and recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships in his home state.”

WHAT: Jesse Tyler Ferguson speaks about the fight for marriage equality in New Mexico. The event is in support of Why Marriage Matters New Mexico (www.whymarriagemattersnm.org).
WHEN: Thursday, September 26^th, at 7 p.m 
WHERE: South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd SE
HOW MUCH: Free!

For more information on the fight for equal marriage rights, Tie The Knot will keep an active blog with up-to-date news and developments throughout the country on their website www.tietheknot.org. You can also follow Tie The Knot on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation

Position Announcement: Administrative Assistant (part time)

 
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a national public interest organization, is the leading defender of civil liberties guaranteed by our nation’s Bill of Rights.  The ACLU of New Mexico, a private, non-profit organization, is the state’s guardian of freedom that works to promote and defend civil liberties in New Mexico.  To achieve our mission, we manage legal, legislative and public education programs on a broad range of constitutional issues including discrimination, free speech, religious freedom, reproductive rights, GLBT rights, and privacy.  The ACLU of New Mexico has offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.  It has 5,700 members and an annual budget of $1.5 million.  Our staff includes seventeen employees.  To learn more about the work of the ACLU and the civil liberties principles we uphold, please visit www.aclu-nm.org.
 
The ACLU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.
 
Position Overview
The Administrative Assistant for ACLU-NM’s Regional Center for Border Rights (RCBR), provides administrative support to RCBR staff and helps facilitate smooth operations of the office. Based in Las Cruces and reporting to the RCBR Director, the assistant will be responsible for ensuring the smooth daily operations of the RCBR office, this includes providing administrative support, maintaining office equipment, handling correspondence and complaint intake, and translating documents from English to Spanish. This is a part-time, 20 hours a week, position.
 
Under the direction of the RCBR director, the principal job responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant include, but are not limited to:
 
Office Operations

• Ensure an organized and efficient office environment.
• Work with Albuquerque staff on financial administration for the RCBR, which includes procurement of bids for services, processing employee expense reimbursements and credit card payments, and to ensure timely payment as well as renewal of service contracts.
• Maintain and organize inventory of office supplies and educational materials.
• Ensure office equipment is maintained and working properly including computers, computer network, internet service, printers, copier and phone system. Manage equipment inventory list and facilitate the disposal of surplus equipment.
• Organize and maintain office-wide filing and record-keeping systems, including electronic files. Ensure compliance with records retention and confidentiality guidelines.
• Provide general office support, i.e., pick up and distribute mail, order postage stamps, mail packages/letters; order business cards and office and cleaning supplies; route incoming calls, record up-to-date voice mail messages, and  receive  office visitors
• Work with landlord to ensure regular maintenance and special repairs of facilities

 
 
Administrative Support

• Listen to and respond to voice mails to seek clarification; mail complaint intake forms;
• Provide administrative support to RCBR staff for program activities, such as making travel and meeting arrangements for RCBR staff, including lodging, flight and car rental arrangements.
• Translate documents from English to Spanish and vice-a-versa.
• Respond to requests in Spanish that RCBR receives through web site, and update information about the RCBR on the ACLU-NM web site  in English and Spanish
• Assist with compiling information for grant and board reports
• Assist with meeting logistics, take minutes at RCBR meetings maintain office calendar of events.
• Input cases into online documentation system.
• Help with RCBR new employee orientation including providing policies and forms.
• Provide other administrative support as assigned.

 
Qualifications

• Commitment to ACLU mission; understanding of basic civil liberties issues and current affairs a plus.
• A commitment to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, and able to work with diverse individuals.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of administrative support experience in a professional environment.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and spoken. Translation and editing skills, a plus.
• Proficiency and advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Knowledge of Microsoft Access and/or other database programs. Familiarity with web content software programs a plus.
• Strong office skills that include maintaining organizational systems and practices to support a high-performing office environment. Experience troubleshooting and maintaining office equipment a plus.
• Detail oriented with excellent organization and time management skills.
• A confident and professional work style, with initiative and strong problem solving skills.
• Able to work independently and work well with others. Mature and self-motivated, organized and able to set priorities and handle multiple tasks in a busy work environment.
• Good typing and grammar skills in English and Spanish, as well as professional telephone manner.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable car is necessary for travel in Las Cruces.
• Be available for occasional after-hours and weekend events.

 
Compensation and Benefits
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, 401k plan, and generous paid holidays.
 
To Apply
Send a letter of application and resume to: [email protected] or mail to P.O. Box 566, Albuquerque, NM 87103. Applications accepted until position is filled, preference will be given to applications received by October 7, 2013.  Please indicate in your cover letter where you found this job listing.
 

The ACLU of New Mexico comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the ACLU Foundation of New Mexico; both have the same overall mission, and share office space and employees.