It might seem like the non media attention that Lomas del Poleo, the embattled area on the west end of Juarez, is receiving nowadays, would mean that the fight is over and for once, the people had won.
Such is not the case, and the conflict goes on. This issue has had national implications and attention from the U.S. and Mexico, and hints at much larger issues (land and water) that involves many people in high places, both in the business world and politically.
For those just tuning in, a land dispute has been going on in the area for many years, between the poor people whose homes, shops, schools, and churches abut an area that has become most desirable by those who have a lot of money, but feel they need more.
The land has become important to them because it is very close to the growing border crossing at Santa Teresa, N.M..
Family Zaragoza, which has made millions in Mexico via milk, propane, and beer, has challenged the right of the people to keep their homes, although the people claim the right to the land based upon the 1975 'property of the nation' declaration by the former president of Mexico, Luis Echeverria.
When the people wouldn’t move, Zaragoza hired gun-toting goons, built guard towers and erected a barbed wire fence around the area, using thick concrete posts thus creating a concentration camp for the families on the mesa where LdP sits.
Over the years, since about 2003, there has been violence, arson, murder, lawyers, more murder, and lies. None of which has resolved the situation.
The mainstream media took note, albeit briefly, offering news stories starting in late 2007, and if you are lucky, you will still see an occasional paragraph or two about the situation from them.
With so many issues facing the people of Mexico -- drug cartels, swine flu, the economic crisis -- it is not surprising that this issue and others, such as the continuing femicide in Juarez (an estimated 125 victims in 2008), have received short shrift lately.
Not even the murder of Lomas residents' lawyer Carlos Javier Lopez Avitia nearly a year ago (Google his name, and see how little has been written on this) received much attention, let alone resolution.
But a few good things have occurred in 2009 that have helped keep the Zaragozas from forcing the few people that remain from their homes.
-- In January, Amnesty International released an announcement placing Lomas on its ‘Urgent Action’ list, and provided a list of people to contact who will hopefully react to pressure from the populace.
-- Recently, the El Paso-based Border Womens' Group donated $1,000, while $525 was during a visit by Father Bill Morton, a long time advocate of the citizens of Lomas who was expelled from Mexico over a year ago, to a recent meeting of the Las Cruces’ Progressive Voters Alliance.
-- A letter writing campaign just began, in which participants have been asked to send hand-written letters to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, to ask for federal intervention for the people of Lomas del Poleo.
-- A community action group, headed by NMSU student April Willeford, has been gathering funds and supplies, and is trying to coordinate the other groups that are offering help into an alliance.
-- The residents, although encumbered by numerous delays from the Zaragoza’s, are still due to get their day in court. Several early hearings-all delayed for one reason or another by Zaragoza’s attorneys, have been scheduled at the agrarian court in Chihuahua City. A well-known Mexican human rights attorney, Barbara Zamora, has taken on the case for a greatly reduced fee.
Father Morton shared this report of a recent court appearance (note: the April 29 hearing he references was postponed until May 6, due to the swine flu issue).
“The residents did, in fact, have their audience yesterday in Chihuahua. After an initial attempt by the representative of Pedro Zaragoza to offer the excuse that a lawyer was sick, (Attorney) Barbara Zamora argued that he would just keep delaying in this way, and then his brother, Jorge, would use the same tactic, then the mother, Maria Refugio, and so on. The magistrate apparently agreed and said they would go ahead with the audience as scheduled.
“The court gave Pedro Zaragoza five working days to respond to the material relevant to yesterday's audience; if not his case is lost.
"The second audience is set for April 29. I was able to speak with Barbara Zamora by phone and ask her if this means the process that has been delayed for nearly four years is now starting? She said 'Yes, there is no deferral; the series of audiences has now begun.'
"At the next audience, all the parties must have documents, titles, letters, whatever written support, and present it to the court. At that audience they will present credentials for an engineer from Mexico City who will do the survey/expert testimony (re) exact location/dimensions of land under dispute.
"Of course, this in no way means the residents have won. But at least it means the games are over and the court will have to decide within several more sessions.”
A more recent update, on April 30, came from Willeford:
“For now, it looks as positive as it can get for the residents. They are extremely grateful to have this opportunity in court and are also grateful for the help they are receiving from the U.S. Instead of big demonstrations (as in the past), they want people to focus on supporting their case in court and immediate needs in the community. In addition, the violence against them by the Zaragozas has not ceased.
"They have targeted the school twice this month (April), stealing supplies recently donated by El Paso supporters. Residents also say they are still being watched and harassed, but thankfully no houses have been demolished recently. (A frequent occurrence in the past) Now that the hearings are in order and taking place, the process can go fairly quickly.
"The only things we are really worried about are the tricks the Zaragozas and their representatives continue to pull (stalling, bribery and intimidation toward the judges). However, the residents have an excellent attorney and tremendous support from their fellow Mexican residents.
"If it were not for them and their continuous dedication to ALL the residents of Lomas del Poleo, the situation would be a lot different. I think the supporters that are closest to the residents are tired and need some time to rest and get their lives sorted as this has taken a toll.
"Luckily, there are several supporters helping out in this time of need (including myself) so that others can take a breather. In El Paso, St. Pius Church and UTEP students and faculty continue to collect donations and raise funds for the residents.
"I also have made numerous contacts around the country who have given on a regular basis. The support for Lomas all over is wonderful and greatly needed.”
While all of this sounds hopeful, this issue is far from resolved. The court case can drag on indefinitely, and one of Zaragoza’s favorite tactics is to wear down the opposition.
And even if he does lose the case, you know he won’t go quietly into the night.
For further information or to help with needed supplies, funding, and medical assistance, contact April Willeford (awillefo@nmsu.edu or (575) 496 7774) or Fr. Bill Morton, at missionelpaso@juno.com
Cash donations can be sent to Fr. Morton at 816 Magoffin Ave., El Paso, 79901. Please put ‘Lomas’ on the subject line of your check.
