Families reunited at ‘Hugs Not Walls event’

The Border Network for Human Rights held its 6th annual ‘Hugs Not Walls’ event Saturday morning at the border separating Sunland Park, New Mexico, and the Anapra neighborhood in Juarez, Chihuahua.

Hundreds of families gathered at both sides of the border, many of whom hadn’t seen their family members in years.

ABC-7 spoke to Leonardo Rios, who said he hadn’t seen his brother in five years.

“It will be good to see him again,’ Rios said as he struggled to hold back tears, “I want to cry.”

A different family, but it was the same story for Raul Enrique who said it’s been six years since he’s seen his family.

“It’s very special to me, for my parents, my parents really miss him a lot.” Enrique said. “I talk to him a lot, but I haven’t seen him face to face and to be able to hug him is really great.”

After patiently waiting, families were reunited with one touch, one hug.

Executive Director for Border Network for Human Rights Fernando Garcia said it was a lot of preparation to put on the event, “We have dozens and dozens of security teams and volunteers to make this event happen.”

This was the first year BNHR held the Hugs Not Walls event at the Sunland Park/Anapra border.

“The reason that we move our event from Chihuahuita, ironically they are building a wall at the place that we were having ‘Hugs Not Walls’ event,” Garcia said.