Boots on the Ground

The operation’s staffing level remains at 7,500 soldiers and 2,300 federal police officers, Torres said… Deaths had dropped to around one or two a day in March but are now averaging about seven homicides daily. More than 130 people have been killed so far this month. More than 2,300 people have been killed since January 2008.

By Daniel Borunda/El Paso times

Independence Day.

Photo shot on 4th of July at the downtown border bridge.

19,600 boots on the ground in Ciudad Juarez, just a thin muddy river dividing independence and forced submission.

So on this Independence Day, here’s to our Mexican brothers and sisters who long for opportunity, dignity and true freedom.