A Resolution from the City of El Paso

WHEREAS, President George W. Bush has proposed sending as many as 6,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico Border to “improve
border security,”

WHEREAS, the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the US military from patrolling within US borders,

WHEREAS, soldiers are trained for war and their training pre-supposes an enemy combatant that is not afforded due process and other protections guaranteed by our constitution,

WHEREAS, the residents of the US-Mexico Border are not “enemy combatants,” and our communities should not be militarized,

WHEREAS, Ezequiel Hernandez — a goatherder, a teenager, a US citizen — was shot and killed on US soil by a US Marine on May 20, 1997. The Marines were sent to the border to improve border security and instead they killed a boy,

WHEREAS, the proposal threatens the safety and well being of the residents of our border communities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO:

That the Mayor and City Council of the City of El Paso oppose President Bush’s proposal and any other proposal that militarizes the border. Further, be it resolved that we instead demand comprehensive immigration reform.

Adopted this 23rd day of May by the City of El Paso.