Migrant Rights/Community Activist Hugo Castro was Disappeared while Traveling in Mexico
by Bella De Soto
As Mr. Hugo Castro of Border Angels/Angeles de la Frontera was traveling in Mexico toward Puebla from México City on April 13, he shot and live-streamed a video of himself. He appeared apprehensive, as a pack of criminals who seemed to be driving alongside his car, were harassing, making hand signals, etc… In this short video, he remarked as he perceived; a pack of blood thirsty thugs hunting him down, not just a few or ten, but many in number…Mr. Castro also asked for help from his collective to come to his rescue, pick him up…
His wife and colleagues last communicated with Mr. Castro up until close to his disappearance. After much insistence to the Mexican authorities, they launched an investigation into his whereabouts…
Castro’s work evolved from opposing the Arizona racist laws and the deadly conditions for border crossers, to the Haitian migrants’ plight. Further, he had just recently exposed documentation on a particular case dealing with other injustices. Colleagues feel that Castro fell victim to political retribution, due to his strong commitment to humanitarian work with the Migrant community globally.
Personally, in the past I had the opportunity to stand side by side with Mr. Castro on a couple of occasions at public protest actions in Los Angeles, although I do not know him personally. Vigilance for us all is imperative, as individuals and collectives. The racist sentiment is so clear today as it was yesterday.
As we were going to press, we received this encouraging news about the disappearance:
Gracias a todos! Lo logramos! Hugo Castro ya está en California recibiendo atención médica. Les pedimos de su solidaridad a través del gofundme para seguir con la atención médica. Las investigaciones aún siguen en Cdmx.
Vamos guerrero! Lo estas haciendo muy bien! Gracias!
Thanks to all! We succeeded! Hugo Castro is already in California getting medical attention. We ask for your solidarity through the gofundme account to continue with the medical attention. Investigations are still continuing in Mexico City. Let’s go warrior! You are doing really well! Thank you!
Here’s the information on the gofundme site to donate to Castro’s recovery: httpss://www.gofundme.com/bringhugohome More information about the Border Angels here: httpss://www.facebook.com/BorderAngels/ and here: https://www.borderangels.org/enrique-morones-border-angels-nominated-malin-burnham-award-vote/
