Michael Ross de 67 años, un maestro sustituto en el condado de San Mateo fue arrestado bajo sospecha de estar en posesión de material de abuso sexual infantil, anunció la Oficina del Sheriff este lunes. (San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office via Bay City News)
Un maestro sustituto en el condado de San Mateo fue arrestado bajo sospecha de estar en posesión de material de abuso sexual infantil, anunció la Oficina del Sheriff este lunes.
Michael Ross, de 67 años, supuestamente fue encontrado con “miles” de material de abuso sexual infantil en diversas formas después de un allanamiento a su casa de San Mateo en febrero, dijeron las autoridades.
Ross fue arrestado el 19 de febrero y fue fichado bajo sospecha de poseer material de abuso sexual infantil. Desde entonces ha sido puesto en libertad bajo fianza, según la Oficina del Sheriff.
Las autoridades dijeron que Ross tiene antecedentes de ser maestro sustituto y tutor en todo el condado. La Oficina del Sheriff se está comunicando con la comunidad para ver si alguien tiene información útil para este caso.
Se anima a cualquier persona que tenga información a que se ponga en contacto con el detective R. Deschler en rdeschler@smcgov.org o al (650) 363-4881. Se pueden enviar denuncias anónimas al (800) 547-2700.
President Claudia Sheinbaum called on Mexican nationals living in the United States to write letters to the U.S. government, explaining the effects of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Mexico. Photo: Saúl López Escorcia /Presidency
President Claudia Sheinbaum called on Mexican nationals living in the United States to write letters to the U.S. government, explaining the impact and potential consequences of the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump on Mexico, which, she said, will end up harming American consumers even more.
“For now, I think [immigrants] can send letters to the U.S. government and their congresspeople, talking about the impact that tariffs have on the United States and Mexico, explaining to people what this 25 percent tariff is,” she said.
Sheinbaum made these remarks during her morning press conference at the National Palace, where she pointed out that Mexico is now the United States' main trading partner. "That is, a very important part of what Americans consume is produced here, particularly automobiles," she stated.
She explained that this exportation is linked to a commercial and productive integration.
“This doesn’t mean that complete cars are manufactured here and then exported to the United States, but auto parts are made here, then sent to the U.S., and then return… and then they go to assembly plants, either here or in the U.S. itself.”
“There is a very important economic integration that has been developed over the past 40 years, and particularly in the recent period, after the pandemic, as many companies that were in China decided to come to Mexico to set up here, or existing companies in Mexico decided to expand their capabilities.”
She clarified that this is called the re-shoring of companies.
The president explained that the increase in Mexico’s exports to the U.S. is due to commercial integration, and the idea that it only generates jobs in Mexico is incorrect, as it creates jobs on both sides of the border.
Sheinbaum emphasized that with a 25 percent tax on all Mexican exports, regardless of the product, “it means that what is produced here will cost 25 percent more when it goes to the U.S. If we impose the same tax in return, it will cost another 25 percent to bring it back and send it again, which will increase product prices.”
And while it is true that U.S. President Donald Trump has said that tariffs will make all transport vehicle and auto parts factories move to the U.S., it is not so easy, as production costs in the U.S. are higher, and relocating these companies takes time.
“Products cannot be moved in a day, and their manufacturing will cause a price increase for the consumer. So, on the contrary, we should be promoting greater economic integration that allows us to compete with Asia, because together we are stronger, not separated.”
She also added that using the trafficking of fentanyl as the justification for imposing the 25 percent tax “does not hold water,” given the results from the Mexican government on the matter.
She reiterated that it must be considered that fentanyl consumption in the U.S. does not only come from Mexico, as it has been suggested, and that the drug’s precursors enter through U.S. ports.
“It is also produced, sold, and distributed in the United States. Who does it? Most of them are criminal groups, including many Americans,” she said.
The president clarified that Mexico is not responsible for the opioid consumption in the U.S., “each side must take its share of responsibility. We will always collaborate, as I have said, we don’t want illegal fentanyl to reach anywhere.”
In this regard, she highlighted efforts that have been made in both public health and in dealing with all the crimes committed due to drug trafficking.
She pointed out that this week, around Thursday, she will have a call with President Trump, but a date is still to be determined. However, she said that if the imposition of tariffs continues, which was unilaterally imposed by the U.S. government, it will create a trade war between the two countries, as Mexico will also respond with taxes in order to protect both national and foreign companies operating in the country.
“We will never close ourselves to dialogue; on the contrary, the doors are always open, but we also have to make our own decisions to protect national and foreign industries in Mexico and protect our people. We don’t want to enter a trade war, no one does. That only hurts the people,” she concluded.
Las solicitudes de apoyo financiero en universidades de EE. UU. han disminuido por temor a deportaciones Ante este panorama, el estado ha llamado a no tener miedo y ha extendido la fecha límite de solicitudes FAFSA y CADAA por 30 días más, del 3 de marzo al 2 de abril.
California presenta una disminución de registros en apoyos económicos para estudiantes de educación superior de jóvenes indocumentados, quienes temen compartir su información y ser deportados. Ante este panorama, el estado ha llamado a no tener miedo y ha extendido la fecha límite de solicitudes FAFSA y CADAA por 30 días más, del 3 de marzo al 2 de abril.
Y es que, la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California (CSAC, por sus siglas en inglés), informó de una disminución de 48 mil solicitudes de estudiantes, 25 por ciento menos en comparación con el año pasado en la Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA, por sus siglas en inglés).
During a briefing held by Ethnic Media Services, la doctora Daisy Gonzáles, directora ejecutiva de la Comisión de Ayuda Estudiantil de California (CSAC), comentó que, algunas cosas como la eliminación del Departamento de Educación, la congelación de la financiación federal y el aumento de la aplicación de las leyes de inmigración, están llevando a muchos estudiantes a preguntarse si es seguro o incluso posible solicitar ayuda financiera.
“Si bien no podemos especular sobre cómo la administración federal puede utilizar la información recopilada a través de FAFSA”, continuó, la información de la solicitud CADAA, “está en poder del estado de California y solo se utilizará para determinar la elegibilidad para la ayuda financiera estatal e institucional”.
Catalina Cifuentes, presidenta del CSAC y directora ejecutiva de preparación universitaria y profesional en la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Riverside, comentó que el impacto de las solicitudes de ayuda financiera es aún peor que la que se vivió durante la pandemia mundial.
“Me preocupa que cuando estos estudiantes y sus familias se den cuenta de que podrían haber cubierto la matrícula y las tasas, sea demasiado tarde. Es posible que para entonces ya tengan trabajos de tiempo completo, hijos, cónyuges, y volver a la escuela es muy difícil para los adultos que trabajan”, expresó.
A ello agregó que muchos tienen miedo por las deportaciones masivas y prefieren no tomar el riesgo, sin embargo, busca motivar a los jóvenes para continuar con sus estudios. “Lo que les decimos es: presenten su solicitud. Vean qué sucede. Tienen mucho tiempo para decidir si quieren cursar estudios superiores, pero solo tienen esta ventana para obtener la máxima ayuda disponible”.
La Solicitud Gratuita de Ayuda Federal para Estudiantes (FAFSA), ofrece subvenciones, préstamos, programas de trabajo y estudio para costear la universidad, mientras que la Solicitud Dream Act de California (CADAA) permite a los estudiantes, sin importar su estatus migratorio, puedan solicitar ayuda financiera estatal.
Keiry Saravia, comisionada del CSAC y estudiante de tercer año de docencia de inglés en la Universidad Estatal de California, Northridge (CSUN, por sus siglas en inglés), dijo que contar con un apoyo es muy importante para muchos jóvenes que no tienen las oportunidades para estudiar, por lo que no deben dejarse llevar por el miedo.
“En este momento, incluso aquí en CSUN, donde muchos de nosotros ya hemos presentado nuestra FAFSA, todavía estamos recibiendo mucha información errónea sobre si seremos elegibles nuevamente, si es siquiera factible, si nuestra información estará segura, porque somos una comunidad predominantemente hispana y muchos estudiantes indocumentados tienen miedo”, contó.
Shawn Brick, vicerrector adjunto de Apoyo Financiero a los Estudiantes de la Oficina del Rector de la Universidad de California (UC, por sus siglas en inglés), explicó la importancia de contar con el apoyo financiero, pues en el año académico 2022-2023, casi 70 por ciento de los estudiantes de pregrado de dicha casa de estudios recibieron ayuda financiera y más de 50 por ciento no pagó matrícula.
“La ayuda financiera es mucho más que cubrir la matrícula. Puede ayudar a los estudiantes a cubrir otros costos mientras están inscritos en la escuela, como comida, alojamiento, transporte, libros y útiles escolares”, agregó Brick.
Presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum emite comunicado ante la imposición de 25% de aranceles a México por parte de Estados Unidos.
Yesterday the U.S. government, after a 30-day pause, unilaterally decided to impose a 25% tariff on Mexican exports. This occurred despite the trade agreement signed by President Trump himself in his first term in office and even though during this period of time, during these 30 days, there were strong actions taken against organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, as well as bilateral security and trade meetings, in which major cooperation agreements were reached between the two countries.
On the evening of March 3, last night, the White House issued an offensive, defamatory, and unsubstantiated statement concerning the Mexican Government that we categorically and thoroughly reject and condemn.
Since the government I represent took office on October 1, 2024, we have worked and delivered results in the field of security. For example, in the case of fentanyl trafficking, the figures of the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show that seizures of fentanyl in the United States coming from Mexico decreased 50% from October 2024 to January 2025.
Other results, in these five months of our administration, are the following: 6,998 firearms seized, 75% of which come from the United States, along with 121.4 tons of drugs, including 1,260 kilograms and more than 1.33 million fentanyl pills. A total of 329 clandestine methamphetamine labs have been dismantled and a historic 26.4 tons of cocaine have been seized in maritime operations. A total of 13,858 suspects were arrested for high-impact crimes and 29 prisoners, accused of serious crimes involving violence and drug trafficking, were recently transferred to the United States for the benefit of the security of both countries. This has allowed for a 15% reduction in intentional homicides in Mexico between October 2024 and February 2025.
Therefore, we are emphatic. There is no motive, reason or justification that supports this decision that will affect our peoples and nations. We have said it in different ways: cooperation and coordination, yes; subordination, interventionism, no. Mexico is respected, we are equal nations. For humanitarian reasons we are collaborating to prevent the trafficking of illegal drugs to the United States, but as we have stated on multiple occasions, the government of that country must also take responsibility for attending to the opioid consumption crisis that has caused so many deaths in the United States. It is a major public health problem that they must address. They must also act against the criminal groups that illegally smuggle fentanyl precursors through their ports and airports, as well as the criminals who illegally produce, distribute, and sells fentanyl and other drugs in their country, poisoning their inhabitants.
CPB data from 2024 published by the Cato Institute in Washington reveals that 80 percent of those arrested at U.S. ports of entry for fentanyl trafficking between 2019 and 2024, were U.S. citizens. The U.S. Sentencing Commission even reports that 81.9% of those prosecuted for drug trafficking are U.S. nationals. On January 8 of this year, the U.S. Department of Justice acknowledged the serious problem of arms trafficking from the United States to Mexico. 74% of the high-powered weapons seized in Mexico come illegally from the United States.
It is time for each country to assume our commitment. In the United States, the opioid consumption crisis that has emerged began with the irresponsible approval of drugs by the FDA. A lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company in the United States revealed that the approval of the first opioid drug that was massively sold and promoted was based on falsified information for the FDA's approval.
Coordination between both nations is necessary to address the phenomenon of violence and drug trafficking, but always based on respect.
I want to make it clear today that we will always seek a negotiated solution, as we have proposed, within the framework of respect for our sovereignty. But the unilateral decision taken by the United States affects national and foreign companies operating in Mexico and affects our people. That is why we have decided to respond with tariff and non-tariff measures that I will publicly announce next Sunday.
In no way do we seek to initiate an economic or commercial confrontation, which unfortunately and regrettably is the opposite of what we should be doing, that is, further integrating our economies in response to the economic and commercial progress of other regions. But, it is inconceivable that we not consider the damage that will be caused both to the population and companies in the United States by the increase in the prices of goods produced in Mexico, as well as the damage that will be caused by halting the creation of jobs in both countries.
No one wins in this situation; on the contrary, it affects the people we represent.
I would like to remind Mexicans that for the past six years we have based our growth on strengthening the domestic market, creating jobs through public investment, increasing the minimum wage, and the Well-Being Programs. In addition, we recently presented Plan Mexico to strengthen investment in the domestic market.
We were able to rise to the occasion in the unfortunate times of sadness and desolation caused by the pandemic when the economy collapsed as never before in the country's modern history. In two years we got back on our feet. We have a strong economy and above all an empowered, conscious people, who have become the country’s main political force. We will continue to seek dialogue to find an alternative based on arguments and rationality.
I call on the people of Mexico, all of us, to face this challenge together. To remain united. I would like to reiterate that now is the time to defend Mexico and its sovereignty. We must be attentive, calm, and cool-headed; our people and our beloved nation are very strong and powerful. I would like to invite Mexicans to an informational assembly in the Zócalo square of Mexico City next Sunday at noon, to share with you the actions we will be undertaking. And together we will face this challenge.
Proudly, we are a free and sovereign country. Together we will move forward.
El documental No Other Land, fue el ganador en los Premios Oscar 2025.
El escenario de las premiaciones de los Oscar no es extraño a las protestas políticas y sociales, eventos como el de Sacheen Littlefeather, quien recibió el Oscar destinado para Marlon Brandon en 1973 y usó el escenario para protestar contra las injusticias que sufren los nativos americanos es uno de los momentos más destacados de esta celebración.
La entrega número 97 de las estatuillas doradas no fue la excepción, pues el ganador en la categoría de mejor documental fue No Other Land, que narra la cruda realidad que viven los habitantes de Cisjordania debido al desplazamiento Israelí. Centrado en la amistad entre el periodista Israelí Yuval Abraham y de Basel Adra, periodista palestino, este documental resalta la realidad tan distinta a la que pertenecen ambos, simplemente por su lugar de nacimiento.
Algunos medios de comunicación han catalogado esta obra como “controversial” sin reparar que lo verdaderamente “controversial” (o más bien aberrante) es la violación de los derechos humanos del pueblo palestino y el conflicto genocida que no tendrá final mientras líderes como Netanyahu sigan avivando las brazas de la violencia étnica y el odio.
En su discurso durante la entrega de los premios Oscar, Yuval Abraham, dijo que cuando ve a Basel Adra, periodista de origen palestino, “veo a mi hermano, pero no somos iguales”, denunciando la discriminación y persecución de palestinos en su propia tierra. También denunció que la política estadounidense “ayuda a bloquear” una solución al conflicto que destruye la vida de la gente en Cisjordania.
Basel, quien recientemente se ha convertido en padre, comentó: “espero que mi hija no tenga que vivir la misma vida que vivo ahora mismo, con temor a la violencia contra los asentamientos, demolición de nuestras casas y desplazamiento forzado” .
Hay quienes no están nada contentos con que No Other Land haya ganado un premio Oscar, por ejemplo, el ministro de cultura Israelí llamó al documental “un momento triste para el cine en el mundo” en un post en redes sociales.
The Oscar win for the film “No Other Land” is a sad moment for the world of cinema. Instead of presenting the complexity of Israeli reality, the filmmakers chose to amplify narratives that distort Israel’s image vis-à-vis international audiences. Freedom of expression is an…
Lo verdaderamente triste es presenciar la masacre de tu pueblo y gritar sin que la gente te escuche. Documentales como No Other Land y el periodismo independiente mismo, le dan voz a las víctimas, empoderan a los oprimidos, pero sobre todo, conjuran con imágenes una realidad, que de otra manera, es inexistente para nosotros, quienes apremiados por nuestras propias luchas y tragedias no escuchamos los gritos de auxilio sin obras como esta para hacerlos llegar a nuestros oídos.
La presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, aseguró que hay “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C y Plan D”, ante la posible imposición de aranceles por parte de Estados Unidos. Foto: Hazel Cárdenas /Presidency
La presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, aseguró que hay “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C y Plan D”, ante la posible imposición de aranceles por parte de Estados Unidos anunciada por Donald Trump, luego de que este los pausara por un mes.
La mandataria destacó que es se debe tener temple, serenidad y paciencia; esperar a lo que ocurra hoy y mañana para tomar una decisión, al tiempo que explicó que hay constante comunicación con el gobierno de Estados Unidos y las reuniones han sido buenas.
“Las reuniones en Estados Unidos estuvieron muy bien. Hay comunicación permanente con las distintas áreas, tanto de seguridad como comercio y vamos a esperar qué pasa con esto”, dijo Sheinbaum. “Hay que tener temple, serenidad y paciencia. Tenemos Plan A, Plan B, Plan C y Plan D; entonces, vamos a esperar el día de hoy”.
Claudia Sheinbaum no descartó posible comunicación con el presidente Donald Trump hoy o mañana.
“Sí, todo es posible”, dijo ante el posible contacto. “Serenidad y paciencia mi querido Solín, diría Kalimán”.
Respecto a las posibles medidas que podría tomar el gobierno de México dijo: “ya lo anunciaríamos. Vamos a ver el día de hoy y mañana también. Hay temple y hay tranquilidad en el sentido de que cualquiera que sea la decisión tenemos plan y hay mucha unidad en México, eso es muy bueno”.
La presidenta de México reafirmó que se debe esperar en cuanto a saber si el impacto de estos aranceles podría no ser tan fuerte, luego de que en pasadas conferencias de prensa matutinas que encabeza, anunciara la gran recaudación de impuestos, así como la tasa baja de desempleo en el país.
“Vamos a esperar, no generemos incertidumbre. Vamos a esperar cuál es la decisión, una que depende del gobierno de Estados Unidos, eso es muy importante. O sea, de nuestra parte hemos estado en comunicación, hemos hecho los acuerdos y las coordinaciones necesarias, pero es una decisión que depende del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, del presidente de los Estados Unidos”, subrayó.
Agregó que, tras ello, México tomará las decisiones pertinentes.
“Cualquiera que sea esta decisión, nosotros también tomaremos nuestras decisiones, y hay plan y hay unidad en México, eso nos fortalece mucho. Vamos a esperar hoy y mañana, tal vez, y ya informaremos”, explicó.
Cabe señalar que este domingo, en una entrevista dada a Fox News, el secretario de Comercio de Estados Unidos, Howard Lutnick, dijo que los aranceles a Canadá y México entrarán en vigor como estaba previsto el martes, pero que el presidente Donald Trump determinará sus niveles exactos.
Anteriormente, Trump ha dicho que impondrá aranceles de 25 por ciento este 4 de marzo a todos los productos entrantes de ambos países a la unión americana.
Lutnik dijo que los dos países han “hecho un trabajo razonable” para proteger sus fronteras con Estados Unidos, por lo que el presidente Trump aún está considerando cuáles deberían ser los niveles arancelarios finales.
“Él está pensando en este momento cómo exactamente quiere actuar con México y Canadá, y esa es una situación fluida. El martes habrá aranceles para México y Canadá. Exactamente cuáles son, vamos a dejar que el presidente y su equipo negocien”, precisó.
La imposición de aranceles del 25 por ciento fue anunciada por Trump a inicios de febrero en represalia por el tráfico de fentanilo y la inmigración ilegal. Sin embargo, el mandatario aplazó la entrada en vigor de los impuestos hasta este 4 de marzo después de que México y Canadá acordaran reforzar sus fronteras.
La elección especial en condado de San Mateo, sobre la Medida A se llevará a cabo después de que la jueza de la Corte Superior Nicole Healy rechazara los argumentos de la sheriff Christina Corpus que buscaba cancelar la votación y desestimando su demanda.
La elección especial del 4 de marzo de 2025 sobre la Medida A se llevará a cabo después de que la jueza de la Corte Superior Nicole Healy emitiera un fallo rechazando los argumentos de la sheriff Christina Corpus que buscaba cancelar la votación y desestimando su demanda.
El pasado 25 de febrero día de ayer, Healy emitió un fallo “provisional” a favor del condado de San Mateo.
Corpus decidió no impugnar el fallo, lo que significó que la orden del juez Healy era definitiva.
“Desde el principio, esperábamos que el tribunal aceptara que el condado había incluido correctamente la Medida A en la boleta electoral para las elecciones especiales del 4 de marzo de 2025. Estamos satisfechos con este resultado”, señaló el fiscal del condado, John Nibbelin.
En ese sentido, el funcionario destacó que la decisión del sheriff de no impugnar el fallo provisional “refleja la solidez de la posición legal del condado, así como el cuidado con el que la jueza Healy preparó su decisión”.
El juez rechazó específicamente el argumento de la sheriff de que la elección debía detenerse porque el condado estaba predispuesto en su contra.
La Iniciativa de Ley por la que votarán este martes ciudadanos en el condado de San Mateo es sobre dar el sí o no a la enmienda de la carta constitucional del Condado a fin de conferir a la Junta de Supervisores la autoridad, hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2028, de destituir de su cargo a un alguacil elegido, por causa justificada, incluida la violación de la ley relacionada con las funciones de un Sheriff, negligencia flagrante o repetida de sus funciones, malversación de fondos públicos, falsificación deliberada de documentos, u obstrucción de una investigación, por una votación de cuatro quintos de la Junta de Supervisores, después de dar una notificación por escrito y una oportunidad de ser oído.
Los interesados pueden encontrar una boleta electoral de muestra aquí en su versión en español.
Hasta la tarde del 28 de febrero, había 444 mil 497 votantes registrados, 78 mil 751 votos por correo recibidos y 288 boletas recibidas en el centro de votación.
This week in “Por la Libre” nuestro programa de radio comunitaria rodante, Hans Leguízamo reflexiona sobre la propuesta “The bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act 2025” reintroducida por las congresistas Sylvia Garcia y Pramila Jayapal, cuyo objetivo es proteger de las deportaciones masivas a los ‘dreamers’.
Pamela Cruz nos trae reportes especiales, uno sobre el compromiso que ha tomado la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de San Mateo para garantizar la protección e inclusión con los grupos diversos e históricamente marginados en el área como prioridad federal.
Y otro sobre la decisión de la Presidenta de México, Claudia Sheinbaum, sobre enviar una comisión especial para supervisar que consulados y cónsules en Estados Unidos brinden un trato justo a los connacionales, acabando así con el coyotaje.
También tenemos el reporte semanal de las conferencias de Ethnic Media Services por Sandra Martínez, la recomendación literaria de Camilasbooks y la mirada musical del maestro José Oliva.
¡No te pierdas Por la Libre! Todos los sábados de 1:00 a 2:00 p.m. por el 1010 AM en San Francisco y 990 AM en Sacramento.
A recent article published in El País showed that nearly 70 percent of Mexico's migrant population are U.S. citizens. Photo: Nairod Reyes via Pexels
Since Donald Trump's re-election, America has continued to block migrants at the Mexico border from coming into the country, increasing their strict border and immigration policies. So ¿why are so many Americans crossing the border to move out of the US?
A recent article published in El País showed that nearly 70% of Mexico’s 1.2 million migrants are U.S. citizens, a population that has been steadily rising since the pandemic.
Unlike America’s challenging migration system, They predominantly populate areas such as Roma and Condesa in Mexico City. Between 700,000 and one million U.S. citizens live in Mexico, according to the state department.
Unlike America’s challenging migration system, Mexico has a much more migrant friendly system, which could be one reason for the growth. U.S. citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter Mexico and are entitled to a stay of up to 6 months per visit. Temporary visas also allow individuals to live in Mexico between 6 months to just under 4 years.
The US dollar also goes much further in Mexico, and while the US is ramping up deportations for undocumented migrants, Mexico’s deportation numbers have dropped.
Political changes may also have been a factor. After Donald Trump's re-election, Google results showed a spike in “moving to Mexico” searches.
All of this has had its consequences, however. Many Mexican nationals have noted a spike in gentrification, specifically in Mexico City, by self-proclaimed expats who they say are driving up the costs of both rent and basic goods.
They also see a rise in the Americanization of Mexico, with the opening of more Westernized businesses and an increased English-speaking population. Other Latin American countries like Puerto Rico and Costa Rica have also seen a surge in gentrification over the years. Cities like San Juan and Ricon, Puerto Rico, resemble the challenges in Mexico City.
The American Citizens Abroad (ACA) organization estimates that approximately 6 million U.S. citizens reside overseas, Mexico being the top location. That is expected to continue increasing in the next 4 years, especially if the US doesn’t address its economic and political issues.
This week, Donald Trump, despite his vocal anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies, announced the creation of a new investment visa to incentivise the wealthiest foreigners' permanent residency.
His “Gold Card”, a play on the Green Card, offers migrants a path to US citizenship and tax breaks if they pay $5 million. It's the most expensive US residency plan in the world.
Green card holders and permanent residents must pay income tax on their U.S. earnings, including income they earn overseas and in their home country. The “Gold Card” would provide a loophole for the wealthy and remove the tax on worldwide income.
Although the same applies to migrants from the US moving to Mexico, the country continues to see a rise in US citizens making the country their new home. With the political climate continuing to become more polarized in the US, there is no slowing down in sight.
After a grueling 21-mile march four women have teamed up with other emerging activists to collaborate and achieve the same goals of support and advocacy for the Latino community. Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
After a strenuous 21-mile march to bring awareness against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan. Rights over Borders organized a march from San Mateo City Hall to San Francisco City Hall], but their work did not stop there. The four women have partnered with other upcoming activists in order to collaborate and achieve the same goals which are supporting, and standing up for the latino community.
Rights over Borders, based in San Mateo County, collaborated with One Heart Rising, an emerging community activist group based in Fremont, California, founded by Mykayla Perez, 20. Another partner: The Celebration Nation Foundation, founded by Flor Martinez, who has been mentoring and guiding young Bay Area activists.
They went to multiple fields in Watsonville to pass out red cards for undocumented people if they encounter federal immigration agents. Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
The three groups partnered to fundraise and collect donations to travel to California’s Central Coast, roughly two hours south of Redwood City. They went to multiple fields in Watsonville to pass out red cards for undocumented people if they encounter federal immigration agents.
The groups distributed lunch bags with sandwiches, chips, and tangerines. They served conchas, chicken tacos, water, gatorade, and snacks. At one location, the women taught farm workers the viral dance from Kendrick Lamar's super bowl performance of “Not Like Us.” This was done to share on social media to bring awareness of the conditions farmworkers are working in, and humanize them to the public as hardworking people. Those who participated were entered into a raffle to win a black hoodie with Celebration Nation Foundation’s logo on it and information on the rights undocumented people have.
The women fed around 25-30 farm workers on Monday. Organizer Mykayla Perez planned the trip to the Central Coast because she wanted to do more to support the latino community. Word spread about the trip after Perez posted on TikTok asking for Bay Area volunteers. “I previously did this with a group of co-workers, and it was a lot smaller, and not as many people,” she said. “I was looking for a lot more people that could help spread the word, or also be here physically handing out donations to our field workers.”
That's when Flor Martinez, Rights over Borders, and Liza Ortiz stepped in.
Ortiz said this work is very personal for her because she is a child of immigrant parents. “We have to be the voices for them,” she said. “They’re not as in touch with social media as we are, so it’s important for us to speak up as much as we can, and show up whenever you can. It does take one person to be involved for other people to be inspired. That’s how I got inspired by seeing Mykayla’s TikTok.”
Heading to the Central Coast was important to Perez. “There are a lot more fields out here in general than the Bay Area. Originally where I’m from in Modesto we have fields as well, but not as many as out here. So it’s just a lot easier to access, and we wanted to do a bigger area and make a big difference.” said Perez.
Farm workers came over to the table of food with mud on shoes, hands and pants from installing the sprinkler pipes in the fields, while others took care of removing dead leaves, and maintaining the strawberry bushes that are in the transition stage from flowering to producing strawberries.
Farm workers came over to the table of food with mud on shoes, hands and pants from installing the sprinkler pipes in the fields, while others took care of removing dead leaves, and maintaining the strawberry bushes that are in the transition stage from flowering to producing strawberries. Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
As field workers took their lunch break, they also grabbed food to take home to their families. Ortiz recalls a conversation she had with one of the field workers from Michoacán, like her father, “I feel like it's just very touching that people come from all over, and you see like it's our raza,” she said. “You feel connected to them even though you're not blood.”
Ortiz also pointed out that in “Watsonville, all of these workers are Hispanic, and it's so important to care for them. And that's also why we came out here to feed them and bring them water and everything.”
Ortiz recalls a conversation she had with one of the field workers from Michoacán, like her father, “I feel like it's just very touching that people come from all over, and you see like it's our raza,” she said. “You feel connected to them even though you're not blood.”. Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
Perez said, “They’re the reason that we have food that's easy and accessible. I feel like half the Americans wouldn't do their job for what they get paid. It's really important to remember that these people feed America. They are the reason we have food on our tables, and it's important to respect them.”
Rights Over Borders said it was important to continue their work beyond the 21 mile march.
Organizer and founder of the group Vanessa Arriaga said, “Just as important as it is to protest, it’s very important to continue engaging in your community by coming out here with people. Giving back to people who feed you, and we need to do more than protest, so this is just the beginning of much of the work we’ll be able to do.”
Organizer and founder of the group Vanessa Arriaga said, “Just as important as it is to protest, it’s very important to continue engaging in your community by coming out here with people. Giving back to people who feed you, and we need to do more than protest, so this is just the beginning of much of the work we’ll be able to do.” Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
Jenaly Carreno who is an organizer with Rights Over Borderd also said she called off work on Monday in order to travel to Watsonville but it was something that was important to her, “Why not support the hands that feed you. As for moving forward I say it for all of us [Rights Over Borders] you still need to come out and support your community. It’s not just a one and done thing we are gonna keep doing things moving forward and we hope you come out, and join us.
Despite pushback about her activism from some Central Coast residents in 2020, Flor Martinez, known on social media as “FlowerInSpanish,” expressed the importance of supporting the latino community.
“You know, growing up undocumented, unfortunately, that's the same language that I heard well growing up. Right, like go back to where you came from. You don't belong here. And that's the same language that our undocumented communities are hearing today. And so it was unfortunate that was the case, especially for people that don't know me, have never met me. And just that we're going off of rumors. I mean, bullying isn't good for anybody including myself, but I'm a tough cookie.”
Rights Over Borders said it was important to continue its work beyond the 21-mile march. Photo: Emma Garcia P360P
Acknowledging the controversy that can still shadow her, Martinez said,“Be kind with these emergent leaders. They might not know all the answers right away, but they will learn as they go.” However, she added, “It's always good to hold people accountable and question people's motives”
