Mexico City, Mexico, Dec 1, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Renato Ascencio Leon of Juarez, Mexico, said this week bishops whose dioceses are on the borders of the US and Mexico will meet in the coming days to discuss various issues related to migrants and immigrants, such as the use of rubber bullets by the Border Patrol.
Bishop Ascencio said the meeting will take place in Reynosa, Mexico.
Regarding the use of rubber bullets against people who attempt to cross the US-Mexican border, the bishop said they could only be used when patrol agents are attacked by an immigrant; in other words, only in self-defense.
However, Bishop Ascencio said he knew they have been used in many other occasions and that such instances constitute “true harm to the rights of migrants.” He stated that there is no reason that can justify an attack on the human dignity of a person.
The bishop also revealed that after the meeting, he will meet with the bishops of Texas and New Mexico about pastoral issues and issues related to marriage.