How Some Are Penalized For Helping Migrants Who’ve Crossed Into The US Illegally

Teresa Todd helped three Central American immigrants recently, one of whom appeared to be sick. Now she could face federal criminal charges for her actions.

By Michael MarksMay 10, 2019 12:02 pm,

West Texas attorney Teresa Todd was driving down a dark road near Marfa recently when she saw three young people trying to flag her down.

They were migrants from Central America, and one of them appeared to be sick. Todd, who is both attorney for the city of Marfa and Jeff Davis County, pulled over and let the group get in her car. She began calling and texting friends to see who might be able to help them.

Moments later, a Presidio County Sheriff’s Office deputy drove up, followed by Border Patrol agents, who eventually detained her.

New York Times Houston Bureau Chief Manny Fernandez reported on Todd’s story, and says hers wasn’t an isolated incident. He says law enforcement officers have either arrested or investigated a few other people who’ve also tried to help migrants who’ve crossed into the U.S. illegally.

“It’s part of a few other incidents that have happened in which good Samaritans and migrant-aid volunteers have been targeted for either prosecution or investigation,” Fernandez says.

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– How Todd could be facing a felony charge

– Why Todd’s actions could be deemed illegal

– How Trump administration policies are starting to affect the work of migrant advocates

 

Written by Caroline Covington.