In 2018, a caravan of migrants referred to as Pueblo Sin Fronteras, stopped at the United States border in Tijuana. Over 200 people from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, fleeing violence and poverty traveled from those countries, with the highest murder rates in the world, in search of safety and a better life in the United States. Caravans have happened regularly since the 1990s, but in 2018 our President became obsessed. We were told regularly that there were “some very bad people” in the caravan. “you’re going to find MS-13, you’re going to find Middle Eastern. You’re going to find everything. And guess what? We’re not allowing them in our country. We want safety” the President tweeted. He eventually walked back that claim, “There’s no proof of anything. But there could very well be” he stated. To me, these statements were racist, and as an American, it was embarrassing and upsetting to hear him represent our country this way.
I wasn’t the only one questioning these statements, but I could see how someone who doesn’t know their own heritage or doesn’t experience the benefits of immigrants could be swayed by these remarks. I decided to learn what was happening myself. I packed my car with all the clothing I could fit into some big IKEA bags and walked across the border. I easily found the group, right up against the border fence and footbridge. They were quiet, sitting in groups, cooking, kids were playing with each other, people were singing, praying and smiling. It was easy to see that it had been a long journey, but it was just as easy to see that hope and spirits were still so high! I gave away the clothing I brought, tossed a baseball with a few teenagers, and watched attorneys hustling to meet with border officials and making the case for asylum.
In the cold and dark November night, I was questioning my efforts. Then, I saw U.S. Border Agents shooing people away from the gate, yelling and using expletives. I decided to sleep right there at the gate, on the ground, with the caravan. I am a proud American and I do not feel that those callous Border Agents or this inhumane situation represents me. That night I met my first Border Angel, a woman who was helping babysit while parents were ushered in and out of meetings with the lawyers. I was impressed by the efforts of this organization and thrilled that I was not alone in this quest, but I was absolutely blown away when I learned more about all the Border Angels do:
The Caravan of Love, makes monthly trips to shelters in Tijuana, bringing essential supplies to migrants who are awaiting asylum, have been deported, are in the midst of their journey to the United States, or are working to build a new life in Tijuana.
The Bond Program, reunites families and frees migrants detained in ICE facilities, raising awareness of the unjust realities faced by immigrants and asylum seekers while in detention.
Volviendo a Casa brings relief to low-income families lacking resources to pay funeral expenses or transportation of migrant bodies for proper burials. Due to the sudden circumstances of these deaths, families cannot afford the expense of reunification of the deceased to their home country.
Day Laborer Outreach, monthly, Border Angels visit three sites where day laborers congregate and offer food, hygiene products, and work gear.
Water Drops really grabbed my attention. Every month, a team ventures into the harsh mountain terrains along migration routes to leave life-saving supplies for those making the perilous journey. Migrants face extreme conditions, scorching heat, freezing nights, and treacherous paths, leading to dehydration, hypothermia, or physical injury. Water, food, warm clothing, and first-aid kits are placed strategically in high-traffic areas to prevent unnecessary suffering and death. Sadly, evidence of death along these routes has been found. These missions are critical in ensuring that no one is left behind in these dangerous zones. As a hiker, this was the effort I volunteered for.
I feel strongly about this work, so it was an easy nomination to make for Dr. Bronner’s Employee Giving Program – an annual initiative where employees nominate nonprofit organizations to be considered for a donation from Dr. Bronner’s.
As an ambassador to this company-wide program, I was tasked with encouraging other employees to nominate organizations they would like the company to support. I was proud to walk the production floor, meeting co-workers for the first time and speaking to them about organizations that they truly cared about. I was thrilled when I learned that Border Angels had been selected as a finalist among 64 nominations, and I worked hard to film a video that represented what they were all about.
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the number of employees dropping their bars of soap (our voting tokens) into Border Angels’ box after the quarterly meeting. I have been approached by several employees since that meeting, not only asking how they can get involved, but asking me for guidance on issues that their own family members are facing, as undocumented immigrants. I will never pretend to be an expert on these subjects but will be more than happy to point people towards the right organizations, and to offer encouragement.
I asked Dulce Aguirre, Interim Executive Director of Border Angels, what she wished more people knew about the migrants who are working to get into the United States:
“I wish people truly understood how strong these individuals are, and the absolute necessity driving them. No one leaves behind everything and everyone they know, unless staying is completely impossible or dangerous. These are real human beings and beautiful families who are simply looking for safety and a better life for their children. I also wish people understood that there is no magical “line” for them to just wait in to do things “the right way” like the media often say.”
We live in a country that has become more divided than I have ever witnessed in my lifetime. It feels so good to work for a company that not only recognizes this but aims to bring communities closer together, promote humanitarian ideals, and support organizations like Border Angels. It’s easy to want to throw in the towel, as other countries laugh at our representation, and our administration’s incompetence, but we must stay in the fight.
How can we stay vigilant? There are so many ways! You can donate to Border Angels and other local grassroots organizations that fight inequity; you can also go on a hike or join another BA outreach program if you feel like doing something physical! Show up with a catchy sign or chant, to protests and marches. Hold the line in conversations about injustice with neighbors and friends, don’t ever be afraid to stand up for others. Advocate for equality at work and in your neighborhood. Sing, dance and create art with your neighbors of all races, colors and creeds. Stay prepared to alert people around you about ICE raids, know and exercise your constitutional rights! Most of all, try to love one another, never forget that we are All- One or None!
Source:
Horsley, S. (2018, October 23). FACT CHECK: President Trump’s False Claims on Migrant Caravan, Tax Cuts. NPR. Accessed 31 August 2026