By Edwin B. Santos, Jr.
For a period of 29 days, I was assigned to support a partner law enforcement organization along the southwest border in and around the El Paso, Texas, region.
Before arriving to Texas, the details of my assignment were limited at best. I had a general idea of what my duties and responsibilities would consist of, but nothing prepared me for the ugly truths I would ultimately encounter.
My assignment brought me directly into the world of immigration and illegal border crossings, where I witnessed the hardships, struggles and lengths people will suffer in hopes of a chance at a better life for themselves and their loved ones. I also witnessed efforts to circumvent laws on the basis of personal greed and ill intention – though, those instances could not cast a large enough shadow on the greater tragedy of which I observed firsthand.
Droves of men, women and children from numerous countries traveled countless miles, many through some very harsh and dangerous landscapes seeking what so many of us take for granted every day, freedom. Freedom from oppression, from persecution, from modern day slavery and regular sexual assaults. Opportunities to provide for themselves and those they love. As I observed the countless number of people who made the treacherous journey to the United States, fleeing from their unfortunate circumstances, I could not help but think of the ancient Israelites and their plight out of Egypt and hopes of reaching the Promised Land.
So many stories I heard during my time along the southwest border; these pages cannot contain them all. Some of the most devastating moments I encountered were those in which I interacted with children, as young as age three, who were sent alone to cross the border through the desert mountains and across the Rio Grande – all of which is completely life-threatening to even the most skilled and strong of people. I was looking into the eyes of so many who, without speaking a word, expressed their pain and suffering in such a way that I could genuinely feel their anguish deep within my own heart. Nonetheless, I was charged to perform a task in the interests of our own nation and its laws.
The humanitarian crisis at our nation’s border has become something of a media and political talking point and less about the truth of what I witnessed: God’s people suffering unjustly for the sake of greed and power of men. I agree, a nation must have laws, rules and regulations to ensure order and prevent complete chaos. The Church, too, has laws that we ought to follow in order to enter into the Kingdom of God. But what must never be forgotten is that in each man, woman and child lives the undeniable truth that we were all made in the image and likeness of God. Each person who enters our country, be it legally or illegally, deserves not to be deprived of his or her basic human dignity.
What I learned most about myself during this time is that although I was charged with enforcing compliance of our nation’s immigration laws, I could do so without compromising my Catholic beliefs or depriving others of their basic human dignity – and do so in such a way that others with whom I worked took notice and could see Jesus working through me. Simple acts of kindness such as offering blessings to those I encountered served as a reminder that Jesus had not abandoned them.
I pray that as we go about our daily lives, when we encounter those who may be suffering, we might show compassion in order that we might be the light of Jesus for those in most need.
Edwin B. Santos Jr. is a law enforcement officer and parishioner of Holy Eucharist Parish in Cherry Hill. He is currently discerning a vocation through the Diocese of Camden’s Diaconate Program.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
