For More Than Two Decades: Advancing Justice and Dignity at the U.S.-Mexico Border

For over 26 years, the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) has been rooted in the Texas–Southern New Mexico borderlands—organizing, educating, and empowering communities long excluded from decision-making about their own safety, dignity, and future.

Through education, community engagement, and public awareness, BNHR has worked to advance marginalized border communities by promoting policies and practices that comprehensively address national security, community dignity and safety, poverty, and economic inclusion, and respect for human and constitutional rights.

Building Sustainable Community Power

At the heart of BNHR’s mission are the people themselves — families, organizers, and residents who live and work along the U.S.–Mexico border.

We have built one of the strongest grassroots networks in the region, with over 1,200 border families, hundreds of trained human rights promoters, and dozens of community committees leading efforts to create safer, more inclusive communities. By teaching constitutional and civil rights, BNHR provides a first line of defense against abuses and misinformation. Organized, informed communities become lasting engines for positive social change.

Your contribution today supports Human and Constitutional Rights education and community organizing that strengthens families and builds long-term resilience.

Hugs Not Walls: An Act of Protest and Community Healing

Few moments capture the power of humanity like Hugs Not Walls.

This moving event — now in its 11th edition — allows families separated by immigration policies to embrace each other for a few precious minutes. Children meet parents they’ve known only through video calls. Grandparents hold their grandchildren for the first time. Each hug reminds us that behind every policy are real people with deep love, courage, and hope.

Through Hugs Not Walls, BNHR raises public awareness about the human impact of immigration policies and creates opportunities for community healing and understanding.Your support makes these reunions possible and helps share their stories as a call for compassion and humane solutions.

With the rising white supremacist narrative and the racist border practices which only strive to cause violence and demonize people who simply want to live with respect and dignity, it is of utmost importance to push our government to act: to ensure that these few minutes of hope and happiness are turned into a permanent opportunity that keeps families together.

Stories of Reunification

“My daughter’s name is Gabriela, she is 5 years old and she was a year old when she saw her daddy for the last time. Even though they talk by phone, thanks to this event, she was able to meet him in person and hug him; she hadn’t remembered the last time that happened. The situation was always very difficult for her because her older sisters were able to go visit their dad and she was always asking, why can’t I?” – Laura

“I hadn’t seen my daughter in seven years, so I was really happy and excited to see her, but my heart is still missing two pieces because I have another daughter in Washington and one more in Colorado. I can’t see them because I can’t travel, but yesterday was a very special and happy day and I am very grateful for all of you and with God for making this possible. I will be eternally grateful.” – Policarpio

I am El Paso: Community Identification Campaign

The Community Identification Campaign aimed to create a government-issued ID that enables all El Pasoans—including veterans, transgender individuals, mixed-legal status families, those experiencing housing insecurity, and victims of domestic violence—to secure their fundamental right to identification and access essential services. This community ID campaign represented a significant step toward ensuring that all residents can participate in the region’s economic development, enhancing community safety and integration.

After nearly a decade of collaboration between BNHR, local organizations, businesses, faith groups, and city leaders, the El Paso City Council unanimously approved a local community identification program in October 2023.

This milestone led to the Enhanced Library Card, which allows residents to safely identify themselves to local law enforcement and access city and county resources. This achievement represents years of educational outreach and civic engagement — a testament to how communities can work together to improve safety, access, and inclusion.

Frontera Texas Organizing Project (FTOP):

The Frontera Texas Organizing Project (FTOP) was launched by the Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) with the primary aim of building community capacity and leadership, expanding strategies for documenting immigration law enforcement abuse, fostering a border community-oriented narrative, and enhancing advocacy efforts in key Texas border regions. This initiative serves critical areas such as El Paso, Presidio-Marfa, Sierra Blanca-Van Horn, Del Rio-Eagle Pass, Laredo, and the Texas Rio Grande Valley.

FTOP’s coalition includes organizations such as La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), Laredo Immigrant Alliance, Border Workers United (BWU), ACLU of Texas, ARISE Adelante,and Ministerios Fronterizos.

Your contribution today will support BNHR’s efforts to consolidate community capacity-building and organizing efforts in key Texas border regions.

Together, We Can Build a Border Rooted in Dignity and Inclusion

Every donation — large or small — fuels hope, knowledge, and empowerment in border communities. Join us in building a future where every family is respected, every person is seen, and every community has a voice in shaping its destiny.