Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

May 27, 2023

Statement from Mattia Family: Excessive and Deadly Force by U.S. Border Patrol


Raymond Mattia, Tohono O'odham, murdered by U.S. Border Patrol
on the front step of his home on Thursday night, May 18, 2023.

Protest for Justice Today

Today, Saturday, protests calling for justice for the murder of Tohono O'odham Raymond Mattia, at both Ajo station in Why, Arizona, and Tucson. Mattia's family members will be at both locations, from 10 am. until noon. The US Border Patrol Tucson Sector Headquarters is at 2430 S Swan Rd (Golf Links Rd) Tucson, Arizona 85711. Mattia was murdered on the front step of his home on the Tohono O'odham Nation. Three Border Patrol agents fired their weapons.

Raymond Mattia's sister was on the phone with Raymond when he said he would go out and talk to the Border Patrol agents. That is when they shot him repeatedly on the doorstep of his home.

https://news.azpm.org/p/news-articles/2023/5/26/216197-family-of-man-killed-by-border-patrol-want-justice-for-their-loved-one/

https://www.kvoa.com/news/tohono-oodham-nation-provides-update-on-death-of-raymond-mattia/article_e002d448-fb33-11ed-8bc2-7bdab3d49739.html

STATEMENT FROM MATTIA FAMILY 


We have been trying to find the strength to write this statement. This tragedy is so grievous because it is apparent what had happened. Raymond called for help and, in turn, was shot down at his doorstep. Raymond's rights were violated by the authorities whom we trust to protect our Nation. Improper and unprofessional actions of the agencies involved were witnessed by family members present near the crime scene. Loved ones sat in agony, not knowing of Raymond's condition until they were told that he had passed hours later. Raymond lay in front of his home for seven hours before a coroner from Tucson arrived.

In our eyes and hearts, we believe that Raymond was approached with excessive and deadly force that took his life. He was a father, brother, uncle, friend, and an involved community member. Raymond always fought for what was right, and he will continue to fight even after his death. This is not an isolated incident, but it should bring awareness of the oppression our people live through.

We want to thank so many of you for your condolences and support. A GoFundMe for defense funds will be available soon. A peaceful gathering to support all victims of the unmonitored violent actions of the Border Patrol and other agencies will be held at The Border Patrol Station in Why, Az, and Tucson on Golf Links Road this Saturday, May 27th, from 10:00am-Noon.

justiceforraymattia@gmail.com

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French translation by Christine Prat at

https://chrisp.lautre.net/wpblog/?p=7983

Arizona Congressman Grijalva points out the cover-up of crimes within the Border Patrol -- the crime cover-up units -- as he presses for the facts in the Border Patrol agents' murder of Raymond Mattia at his home on the Tohono O'odham Nation.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

May the Lord continue to give you peace and heal your broken hearts. God bless you. R. Cruz & Family