Media Contact

Imelda Mejia, ACLU of Texas, 346-299-6803, [email protected]

August 6, 2019

EL PASO, Texas – President Donald Trump will be visiting El Paso, Texas this Wednesday following a mass shooting over the weekend which left more than 20 dead and dozens injured.

“Since the very start of his administration, President Trump has vilified immigrants, the Latinx community, and the border,” said Cynthia Pompa, advocacy manager for the ACLU Border Rights Center. “While this mass killing in our community is shocking, it is not a surprise that the Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric have exacerbated a culture of hate and fear that leads to such violence. As the city is still in shock and mourning from this white supremacist terrorist attack, we must all hold President Trump accountable for the pattern of racist statements and actions of his administration that continue to harm communities like El Paso.”

“The city of El Paso is home to a vibrant binational community full of prospect, unity, and hope,” said Adri Perez, El Paso engagement specialist for the ACLU of Texas. “Our community is strong but still grieving the deaths of more than 20 loved ones because of a shooting driven by hate, white supremacy, and racist lies about our border communities. Our local politicians need to address white supremacist violence in a way that protects the rights of communities of color so this doesn’t continue as a trend across America.”