On Saturday, January 21, 2017, I traveled with the Border Angels to the Ocotillo desert to leave water and provisions along migrant crossing routes. It was an amazing day, from start to finish. I have written a story about that day which is now in Psychology Today. Border Angels is a non-profit organization that advocates for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice with a special focus on issues related to the U.S. Mexican border. Here is the beginning of my story:
Can a life really be saved for $1.50? That is the cost of one gallon of water at my local grocery store. According to Border Angels, the answer is a definitive “Yes!” Every month Border Angels lead guided trips of volunteers to the desert to leave gallons of life-saving water along migrant crossing routes. This is just one of the humanitarian acts this non-profit organization performs in their mission of advocating for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice with a special focus on U.S. Mexican border issues. Finding that over 11,000 people have died in the desert due to dehydration since implementation of Operation Gatekeeper in 1994, Border Angels’ water drop program seeks to end this cycle. Upon learning of this organization, I signed up for their January operation. Our undertaking was straightforward: travel to the Ocotillo desert and leave water and provisions.
On Saturday, January 21st, I joined approximately 100 volunteers, each bearing one gallon of water, at the Sherman Heights Community Center in San Diego, where we were greeted by Enrique Morones, the founder and director of Border Angels. Since founding the organization in 1986, Morones has dedicated his life to offering migrants compassion in the tangible form of water, food, clothing, education, and unstoppable advocacy. His vision was birthed from his faith and Biblical teachings straight from the book of Matthew, “When I was hungry, who gave me to eat? When I was thirsty, who gave me to drink?” Standing in the cold morning air, we listened to an impassioned Morones and other devoted volunteers as they described the deadly struggle migrants face crossing the unforgiving desert and the reasons why they dare risk it. Whether fleeing violence, seeking reunification with loved ones, or economic opportunities, Border Angels ensures they will be received with the humanity deserving of all.
To finish reading the story, please go to:
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About Aleida K. Wahn, Esq.
I am an attorney, award-winning true crime writer, and legal analyst of criminal cases. I cover criminal trials and write stories and books about compelling, gripping, and unforgettable cases that impact our world. I take you into the courtroom in high-profile murder trials, rape cases, crimes of passion, cases involving mental illness, deviant behavior, and more. I have a deep passion for true crime, criminal law, and all aspects of the criminal justice system. I have appeared as an expert on true crime shows, including “48 Hours,” “Snapped,” and “The Dead Files,” and provided legal analysis on high-profile criminal trials on Court TV, the Law & Crime Trial Network, Fox 5 News, ABC 10 News, and KUSI News. I also create and host shows with the Del Mar Television Producers Group, addressing criminal justice and social issues in recent criminal trials.
I provided my insight and legal analysis on Court TV and the Law & Crime Trial Network of the high-profile trial of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. It was a trial that captured the nation as the heralded ex-football star with fame, fortune, and a famous name stood accused of multiple rapes and other sex crimes involving five women. As the trial delved into shocking facts, complicated legal issues, and unexpected twists and turns, I was there for every minute. After the trial, I wrote a book on the case, going behind the headlines to share the extraordinary details of what happened inside the courtroom. Judging Winslow Jr.: From NFL Star to Serial Rapist? Inside the Shocking Rape Trial of Kellen Boswell Winslow II is now available on Amazon.
I am passionate about telling true crime stories, as these penetrating stories have the power to move us all, while highlighting societal issues which need to be addressed. I have personally seen the human devastation which is present in each trial and believe there is a lesson to be learned in every single case. It is through awareness and examining critical issues society can effect change and even make new laws. To learn more, please visit: https://www.aleidalaw.com.
Read about the gripping and unforgettable trials that I have covered in my latest books:
