Lost Wages for No More Deaths Defendants

This past January, four No More Deaths volunteers who are also my friends were convicted of federal misdemeanor charges for their efforts to place life-saving food and water on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.  No More Deaths volunteers Natalie Hoffman, Oona Holcomb, Madeline Huse, and Zaachila Orozco all stood strong in the face of state repression, testifying to their beliefs that all humans deserve the right to food, water and medical care and that migration should not be a death sentence.  Their sentencing date is set for March 1st, 2019.  At sentencing, Oona, Madeline and Zaachila face up to a year in prison and a $10,000 fine each, and Natalie faces up to 18 months and a $15,000 fine.


The personal cost of being a defendant in a federal trial is high - it is emotionally, physically and mentally taxing.  Three out of the four people had to travel from out-of-state in order to attend the trial, and will be doing so again for their sentencing date.  No More Deaths has supported the defendants by covering their legal, travel and housing costs.  I am hosting this fundraiser for these defendants because I know they have all taken time off of work and lost wages in order to come fight on behalf of the organization and on the behalf of all of those walking through the desert.  This campaign is not connected to my account at all, and I do not have access to the funds that come in. Any donation given here will go directly to the defendants to replace lost wages and cover other incidental costs.  


It is so much easier to walk into a courtroom and face the state when you can feel the support of thousands at your back.  Each of these volunteers have done only what we all hope we would do in a similar situation: to act in accord with our conscience when government forces will not in order to save lives and prevent suffering.  I was in the courtroom with them during their trial and the strength of their conviction has renewed my dedication to the work of ending death and suffering in the borderlands.  I ask that you donate today to make the path before them a little bit easier as they continue to uphold values of care, compassion and justice for all. Thank you!