de:		SOA Watch <lulu@soawatch.org>
responder a:		lulu@soawatch.org

SOAW - Resisting Militarism at Home

Two-thirds of the U.S. population lives within 100 miles of a U.S. border enforcement zone—where federal agents are operating with exceptional power, conducting warrantless searches, making arrests without reasonable suspicion, and exercising authority that would be illegal anywhere else in the U.S. Dear Luis, For years, we have stood alongside communities in Latin America, witnessing their resilience in the face of militarization and repression. Now, it’s our turn. Enforced disappearances of our migrant community members by unidentified federal agents. Counterintelligence and surveillance operations of any organized resistance. Mass detention and denial of due process. These are not new tactics. The same violence the U.S. has exported for decades to Latin America through interventions and military training, is now being deployed in our own communities. And it’s no coincidence: Since at least 2015, Border Patrol has been training at SOA/WHINSEC—the very school that has long trained militarized repressive forces across Latin America. We have also learned much from our sisters and brothers in Latin America over the decades—lessons of resilience, resistance, and community. In the face of oppression, we need each other. The power of the people is undeniable. Like our compañera/os who have fortified their resistance, our own movement is growing here—in the streets, in courtrooms, in detention centers, and in our neighborhoods. We must keep our eyes on ICE—together, we can protect our families and communities.  Our SOAW community is rooted in resisting militarism and building a culture of peace. We call on you to expose ICE's injustices by documenting their activities, pressuring your representatives, and organizing with your neighbors, churches, and local organizations. Together, we can protect and support our targeted community members while strengthening our collective resistance. In solidarity, SOAW 2025 Note: In dialogue with our partners in Nogales, we have determined that we will not be holding an in person event at the U.S./Mexico border this November. Instead, we’ll gather online for a virtual meeting/vigil—stay tuned for details. We’ll return to Nogales in person in fall 2026. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work. Thank you.

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