More than 100 ask for justice for LaMadrid

More than 100 attended a protest march calling for justice for the shooting of Douglas resident Carlos LaMadrid two weeks ago.

LaMadrid was shot three times in the back and once in the shoulder as he attempted to climb a ladder to evade capture by law enforcement agencies at the border fence. The shot came from the gun of a Border Patrol agent.

The march started on 5th Street and Pan American Avenue, just blocks from the U.S.-Mexico border. It continued up International Avenue until they reached the site of the shooting, near Cochsie Ave.

LaMadrid’s wife, Nydia Valenzuela, and LaMadrid and Guerrero families, as well as friends and the Border Action Network coordinators were at the protest to seek justice and to ask the community to help them to stop the killings in the border areas.

Carmina Guerrero, LaMadrid’s aunt said “We ask for justice in our borders and we ask for the support of the community to make sure what happened to “Carlitos” never happens again to avoid this sorrow to the families of the victims. We want to make everyone conscious that not because of they have a badge they can kill anyone and do whatever they want.”

According to Janeth Guerrero, a relative of LaMadrid, another reason to do the protest was that the authorities haven’t helped them that much.

“We haven’t received any official report from the Douglas Police, the Border Patrol, not even from the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Deputy Roger Clark said to us that they won’t deliver any report until the case is solved.”

The march ended with candles and flowers placed where LaMadrid was shot.

Julissa Villa, Border Action Network Coordinator said that they are supporting the family because excessive use of force and all the killing must stop and they will fight next to the family until justice is done.

In an earlier interview, Jennifer Allen, executive director of the Boarder Action Network, said that the death of Carlos LaMadrid has shaken the border communities.