Commissioners Court adopt resolution to support the efforts of peace caravan
El Paso County Commissioners Court began Monday morning with a resolution to support the efforts of Javier Sicillia.
Sicillia is behind the Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity that is currently making it’s way across Texas. The goal of the caravan is to draw attention to the ways the United States can enforce United States’ gun laws.
Last week our New Mexico mobile newsroom caught up with Sicillia, he’s in the midst of a month-long journey across America for what the Caravan for Peace refers to as a U.S. backed drug war.
Salvador Gomez, a private citizen who decided to speak during public comment, was outraged at the resolution.
“I am against this resolution.” said Gomez. “Why do people always blame America for their problems abroad? Is it America’s fault because Mexico is the murder capitol of the world?”
Gomez is retired from the U.S. Navy. He calls himself a patriot. On Monday he told Commissioners he is sick and tired that people blame the United States for issues across the border.
Josiah Heyman, a member of the Caravan, spoke on behalf of the Caravan on Monday. He told the court that the members of the Caravan understood the enormous issues on the Mexican side of the border, but added, “There are connections to the United States, there is no question.”
The resolution passed 4-to-1. Commissioner Dan Haggerty was the lone Commissioner to vote against the resolution, however, he never gave a reason publicly for doing so.
Upon passing the resolution roughly a dozen people began cheering which prompted Gomez to stand up and heckle the crowd. Judge Veronica Escobar stood up and asked Mr. Gomez to sit down.
“This isn’t right,” shouted Gomez.
Order was restored after the brief outburst.
The Caravan for Peace with Justice and Dignity is expected to make it’s way to El Paso Monday evening. A ceremony will be held at 8 p.m. On Tuesday a similar resolution is expected before city council members followed by a slew of events culminating a public event that will wrap up at San Jacinto Plaza.
