WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Angry Tias and Abuelas of the Rio Grande Valley and La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) were awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award in Washington, D.C. for their work with asylum seekers and national immigration legal services. This award honors individuals and groups around the world each year who show courage and have made significant contribution to human rights in their country.

“This Administration has put all of their marbles with respect to immigration and border security toward border wall funding. Ensuring the safety of these immigrants and improving the conditions of their country of origin so they have a reason to stay has been completely neglected,” said Congressman Vela. “This country has gone from one nation under God to one nation under the devil. I applaud Angry Tias and Abuelas of the Rio Grande Valley and Lupe for having the courage to fill in the gaps that our government has yet to fill. I have worked with these two organizations since I came to Congress and I have not seen a greater level of commitment from anyone when it comes to making sure migrant families are taken care of when they cross that border. It was an honor being in attendance to see these deserving groups receive the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award. I am proud to represent a district that holds individuals who stand up to oppression and pursue human rights.”

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