If you or someone you know has direct information regarding the crash in Imperial County on Tuesday March 2, 2021, please call (619) 629-0362 or (619) 233-4114.
SAN DIEGO, CA — On March 2, a semi-truck crashed into an SUV in Imperial County, California, killing 13 people and injuring several more. The horrific crash and tragic loss of life has rocked the San Diego and Imperial Counties region, but the devastating truth is that it is far from rare.
The truth is that the tragic loss of precious life is a regular occurrence in the southern border region, often instigated by Border Patrol high-speed chases. An investigation by ProPublica found that on average, Border Patrol is involved in a crash every nine days, injuring and killing hundreds. According to the investigation, one in every three car chases involving Border Patrol ends in a crash. Agents engage in unsafe driving, box in vehicles, puncture tires, and force cars to spin, all the while knowing that the people they are chasing are likely unrestrained and in danger.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Use of Force Policy Handbook, which governs Border Patrol actions begins with a statement on the duty to protect life: “A respect for human life and the communities we serve shall guide all employees in the performance of their duties.” Although CBP and Border Patrol have stated they were not involved in the events that led to the crash, there are community concerns that this is not the case, given the history and prevalence of crashes that begin with a chase.
To get much-needed clarity on what occurred during this horrific loss of so many lives, we are encouraging anyone with direct information to contact California Highway Patrol, Alliance San Diego, Comité Civico Del Valle, Or American Friends Service Committee.
If you or someone you know has direct information regarding the crash in Imperial County on Tuesday March 2, 2021, please call (619) 629-0362 or (619) 233-4114.
About Alliance San Diego
Alliance San Diego is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) community empowerment organization working to ensure that all people can achieve their full potential in an environment of harmony, safety, equality, and justice. Our mission is to provide a means for diverse individuals and organizations to share information, collaborate on issues and mobilize for change in the pursuit of social justice, especially in low-income communities and communities of color. We pursue this mission through targeted civic engagement programs and strategic coalitions that focus on specific issues and policy reforms.
About Comité Civico Del Valle, Inc.
“Informed people build healthy communities”, Comite Civico del Valle (CCV) was founded on this principle and continues to incorporate this mission statement in all partnerships, research studies, and civic engagements initiated or comprised by our organization. CCV’s extensive background and accomplishments date back to our grassroots origins in 1987. In over three decades of serving the communities of Imperial Valley, CCV now serves various California communities through collaborative efforts with other established Environmental Justice organizations and in partnership with researchers, academia, and government agencies.
About American Friends Service Committee
American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
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