BORDER ANGELS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JESUS GONZALEZ

Summary

Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose

Episode: BORDER ANGELS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JESUS GONZALEZ
Host: Kat Zammuto
Guest: Jesus Gonzalez, Executive Director of Border Angels
Date: November 27, 2024

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Main Theme

This episode of "Kat on the Loose" features a deeply human and timely conversation with Jesus Gonzalez, Executive Director of Border Angels, a nonprofit advocating for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice at the US-Mexico border. Prompted by renewed fears and tension post-2024 US election and with the looming threat of mass deportations under president-elect Trump, the discussion focuses on the real stories, challenges, and policies impacting immigrants, particularly those risking their lives to enter the US.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Setting the Scene: The Current Immigration Climate

• Heightened Fears After the Election
  • With Trump’s election and discussions of mass deportations and using the military, immigration anxieties have risen anew. Many immigrants—both documented and undocumented—fear for their futures.
  • Quote: “There’s a great sense of fear and concern for what happens next... There’s a history in this country of mass deportations.” – Jesus Gonzalez (06:31)
• Sanctuary Cities as a Source of Hope
  • Los Angeles recently declared itself a sanctuary city, refusing to provide funds to aid deportations, a move seen as empowering in the face of harsh rhetoric.
  • Quote: “If half of the country is in support of the Trump policies, I want to remind everyone that half of the country is not.” – Jesus Gonzalez (07:58)

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2. The Human Perspective: Why People Risk Everything

• Desperation and Danger
  • Migrants risk their lives out of dire necessity—fleeing violence, poverty, persecution, or cartels.
  • Quote: “People put themselves at such great risk... all they want is an opportunity for a good life.” – Jesus Gonzalez (10:02)
• Misconceptions About Migrants
  • The stereotype of migrants as criminals is widely inaccurate. Only a small minority may fit this label; most seek safety, jobs, family, and hope.
  • Migration across the southern border is not limited to Mexicans; people come from all over the world, including Ukraine, Haiti, China, and Venezuela.
  • Quote: “The stereotype of criminals... is also related to Latinos… That perception of one particular group is just not true.” – Jesus Gonzalez (17:43)

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3. Border Angels: Humanitarian Work on the Ground

• Water Drop Program
  • Volunteers trek into the desert to leave water and food along migrant routes. Many lives have been saved, with survivors returning to volunteer.
  • Quote: “We’re out there leaving water and food... people have found the food and water and come back to us and said, ‘Thank you, you saved my life.’” – Jesus Gonzalez (14:59)
  • Volunteers look for signs of migrant activity (like left-behind trash), clean up, and resupply—facing harsh environments similar to those depicted in Kat’s film "40 Days."
• Day Labor Outreach and Family Reunification
  • The organization's work includes helping those in detention centers obtain bonds to await court dates with family, and special programs to advocate for separated children.
• Support in Tijuana and Educational Initiatives
  • Border Angels also aids shelters in Tijuana and educates immigrants and the public about rights and humanitarian realities.

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4. Detention Centers, Legal Complexities, and Case by Case Reform

• Systemic Backlog and Dehumanization
  • Courts are overwhelmed, causing long detention periods. Border Angels posts bonds so people can stay with family while awaiting court.
  • Quote: “The majority of people who we help by giving them that bond do show up to court... They don’t go into hiding.” – Jesus Gonzalez (31:08)
• Cases Are Not One-Size-Fits-All
  • Kat argues for individualized decisions rather than blanket policies. Jesus agrees in principle but notes the complexity and volume make it unrealistic under current systems.
  • Quote: “It’s unfortunate, but it is too simple… millions of people are being impacted.” – Jesus Gonzalez (26:07)

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5. Compassion vs. Legality: The Ethics of Aid

• Responding to Criticism
  • Some legal immigrants feel organizations like Border Angels foster illegal entry, but Jesus points out that every immigrant journey relies on community support.
  • Quote: “My family gave up everything... there were community organizations to help us... That’s all Border Angels is doing.” – Jesus Gonzalez (35:33)
• Moral Imperative
  • Even those who oppose illegal immigration are urged to consider the humanity and hardship of those making the journey. “If you see someone hurt, you don’t walk away,” says Jesus, emphasizing basic human decency (38:14).

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6. Children and Families: Programs for the Most Vulnerable

• Green Card for Kids
  • Border Angels connects children in detention centers to legal help, enabling some to receive green cards. Donations fund attorney fees and services.
  • Quote: “It’s really near and dear to my heart... these kids... need services for a very long time.” – Jesus Gonzalez (43:30)

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7. Education, Advocacy, and The Power of Storytelling

• Upcoming Documentaries and Films
  • Both Kat and Border Angels are involved in storytelling—Kat with her new film "40 Days," and Border Angels via an in-house documentary sharing real migration stories.
  • Quote: “It shows them as human beings, it shows them as families... just human beings like you and I, having good days and bad days and still feeling hope.” – Jesus Gonzalez (47:41)
• Engagement Across the Political Spectrum
  • Kat urges all listeners, regardless of political stance, to educate themselves about immigration before forming opinions, highlighting the importance of empathy and context.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hope and Participation
  • “I encourage everyone to participate at whatever level they can—volunteering, giving money, talking to government officials... do it with kindness.” – Jesus Gonzalez (22:37)
• On the Plight of Immigrant Workers
  • “If you’re against immigration, go pick your tomato... Americans do not want to work in the farms.” – Kat Zammuto (54:08)
• Closing Call for Humanity
  • “Become a Border Angel. That doesn’t mean you have to volunteer for me… just become a border angel wherever you are.” – Jesus Gonzalez (50:40)

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Key Timestamps

• 05:00 – Kat introduces why this topic and Jesus' input are so important post-election.
• 06:31 – Jesus describes the mood at the border after the election.
• 10:02 – Jesus shares personal immigrant experience and empathy for new arrivals.
• 14:59 – Impact and stories from the water drop program.
• 17:43 – Debunking stereotypes: migrants come from many nations, not just Mexico.
• 22:37 – Jesus on tangible ways people can support immigration reform.
• 26:07 – Challenges of case-by-case immigration reform.
• 31:08 – Positive outcomes: most people released on bond do follow the legal process.
• 35:33 – The necessity and history of community support for immigrants.
• 43:30 – Details on the Green Card for Kids initiative.
• 47:41 – The power of film and documentary to share immigrant stories.
• 50:40 – Jesus’s closing message: “Become a Border Angel.”

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Conclusion

Tone: Compassionate, unfiltered, and pragmatic, with firsthand stories and a focus on practical solutions.

Takeaways:

• Immigration issues remain complex, emotional, and urgent, especially amid evolving US political stances.
• Border Angels responds with humanity through direct aid, legal advocacy, and education—offering a model for compassion over polarization.
• Empathy and education are essential; listeners are encouraged to learn, volunteer, and approach the conversation with humanity.

Resources:

• Border Angels: borderangels.org
• 24/7 Hotline: [phone]
• Film "40 Days" (upcoming) and Border Angels Documentary (website for teasers and future streaming)

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“I appreciate that we live in a country where we can express our opinion, whether we agree or disagree. I just ask people to be kind… and nothing more.” – Jesus Gonzalez (49:30)

Transcript

[Catherine]

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Zoe, this thing weighs a ton. Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man. Santa.

[Catherine]

Santa, did you get my letter?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

He's talking to you britches. I'm not.

[Catherine]

Of course he did.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

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[Catherine]

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[Jesus Gonzalez]

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[Catherine]

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[Jesus Gonzalez]

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[Cat]

Visit t mobile.com My guest today, Jesus Gonzalez, is the executive director of the non profit organization Border Angels. They advocate for human rights, humane immigration reform and social justice. Their work is done in an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities along the USA Mexico border by educating and assisting communities on both sides of the border. They have a huge variety of services including educational programs, water and food drops throughout the desert, day labor outreach, familiars reunited, which means reuniting families that get separated, shelter, aids, support in Tijuana and much more. I think this is such an important conversation now more than ever with newly president elect Trump. Talking about mass deportation, talking about declaring an estate state of emergency. I think no matter which side of the conversation you're in, the more we educate ourselves, always the better. So I hope you guys enjoy this super important conversation with Jesus. This episode of Cat on the Loose is brought to you by Girly a la mode. Building a worldwide community for body positivity, self love and inclusion. Hashtag Everybody is beautiful. Every single piece on the collections is great for every single body, regardless of size, height, background, age. Super cozy hoodies, sweatshirts, beanies, sweatpants, adorable affordable gifts. Everything on the website is under 100 bucks. Check it out. You're gonna love it. And of course I love the message. Let's spread some love with girly G I R L I E a la mode Girli a la moda Shopping and on Instagram Girly a la mode. Now that summer is over, did you guys know that Cancun and Tulum have become the top fall destinations that Americans are eagerly searching for on platforms such as XP Idea, and it's easy to see why. With their stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant cultural scene, these Mexican Riviera gems offer the perfect escape as the season shifts and the weather cools in the U.S. cancun and Tulum offer a warmer retreat, making them ideal for both quick getaways and extended stays. But beyond being the ultimate vacation spots, they're also prime locations for investing in vacation homes. Purchasing a property there not only gives.

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Jesus.

[Catherine]

Welcome to Cat on the Loose. It's such an honor having you here.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Well, thank you and I'm honored to be here. What an amazing opportunity. So thank you.

[Catherine]

I know how busy you are, I guess now more than ever, but I have to say I'm very grateful, number one, for being an immigrant. This is such an important topic for me, but I think now more than ever with immigration. I know a lot of people are up in arms, a lot of immigrants, illegal immigrants are freaking out, afraid I've been getting hundreds and hundreds of messages. So I really appreciate you being here on the show and maybe you can help us clarify, you know, regarding what's going on on the borders and help us figure out, you know, give us guidelines throughout this chaos.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

I will do my best and of course, you know, I don't. I'm not the. I don't have an answer for everything, but I can offer you our. You know, call our. Our phone number at the office, and we will get you the information that you need. So don't worry about it. We're here to help.

[Catherine]

Okay? So first and foremost, let's put it out there. What's the number in case somebody's out there desperate, listening?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Okay. And I've got my card here since I don't have to remember. 619-487-0249.

[Catherine]

Okay, great. So we got that out of the way. We're gonna repeat it several times. And the link for their website, guys, is attached to this episode because we really, really, really want anybody out there that feels they need help to be able to reach out to you guys. So right now, right after the elections, you are down there in San Diego. You are near the border. What is the mood? Do you feel a big change once Trump got elected?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

I don't know that there was a really big change because there's, you know, there's always been tension around immigration and policies and stuff. I know that Biden did what some. Make some changes, and Kamala Harris had some, too, but there's always been tension on the border. So, again, what I would say to you is that in the couple of interviews that I've done with some of the community is that there's a great sense of fear and concern for what happens next. I think, you know, rightfully so. There's been. There's a history in this country of mass deportations on several occasions. And so I think that's what people are fearing. Now, having said that to you, I've also heard many, many accounts of people feeling very empowered to try and make change and try to respond to what's coming up specifically around, you know, I don't know if you saw the information out there about Los Angeles taking on the title of sanctuary city.

[Catherine]

Yeah, I actually, literally, just, just before we started our interview, I saw that maybe about seven hours ago. Right. They declared that they are going to. Yeah, they declare themselves sanctuary city. They're going to stop giving funds for, you know, to. To aid deportation and all that stuff. Yeah, I did.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Exactly. And I think that's what will happen in this community as well. Again, I'm one of those very optimistic people. And so I like to. Again, if half of the country is in support of the Trump policies, I want to remind everyone that half of the country is not. So it's both of us. We have an opportunity here. And, yeah, so Again, people are afraid, looking to what will happen next, because there's a lot of, you know, nasty stories out there and whatnot. But at the same time, there's a. There's a lot of people who have learned from what's happened in the past and are ready to fight the fight.

[Catherine]

Yeah, so do. Obviously, he's talking about this mass deportations. I think he's even talking about declaring a state of emergency so he can use the military. Right.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's right.

[Catherine]

This sounds extremely radical. Normally, I don't like talking about politics. You know, coming from Brazil, which is a country with horrible politics, I try to stay away from it, but I feel it's the first time in my life I have to speak up, because, like I said, I'm an immigrant. I've never been an illegal immigrant. But I love that you guys say that, and it's really important you are advocates for immigrants, a humane immigration reform.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Exactly.

[Catherine]

I love that. I. And I completely agree. There are very. I think there should be a very humane way to do it. And in my eyes, the way he's talking about is, like, very aggressive, just. Just very scary. Do you do it? Do you? Because you must talk to a lot of these. These people crossing the border. Right. You must talk to a lot of illegals. You must talk to a lot of people in detention. Do you think they're afraid of these mass deportations? Do you think they're afraid of Trump actually putting the military out there?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

I think so. I mean, again, like I told you before, I don't have direct contact with a lot of people. The few people I've talked to are really just tired and looking for some way to get settled and start their lives. And by the way, I'm an immigrant, too. I'm from Cuba, and, you know, my parents brought us here, and I just, you know, I'm. I'm sad that this country that has been so good for me and that I have been able to support and contribute to is. Is that, again, that's what some of these people are. That's all they want. That's all they want is an opportunity for a good life. And it's really tragic. So, anyway, I'm sorry, I forgot your question.

[Catherine]

No, my question was, do you think that there are a lot of out there arriving now or a lot of these people who are here illegally that are afraid of his. His tactics of actually throwing everybody out and separating families and putting the military out on the streets? You know?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah, no, it is pretty dramatic. And again, I don't want to speak for anybody. I think that people who immigrate here have great concerns, regardless of whether it's Trump or another president. So there's a lot of risk that people take, really put themselves at such great risk, give up so much to come to this country. And so I, you know, again, I think this just makes it more intense. But I think they all. They have those concerns anyway. And, and rightfully so. Rightfully so. Because that we have plenty of proof that there is, you know, the children being separated at the border, again, lots of examples of abuse. Lots of examples.

[Catherine]

Which is something that, like you said, we are Americans. And it's heartbreaking to know that in our beautiful country, which was built by immigrants, these things are happening. Right?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Catherine]

It just, it breaks my heart. I really wish. And I don't know if we're gonna see. I, I honestly don't think we're gonna see that in our lifetime, but I really wish there would be a way of handling it, but in a very kind and nice manner, especially when it comes to children, you know, because children, at the end of the day, they're always innocent victims. Of course, they don't even know what's going on.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

They don't know what's going on. They are being brought here by adults. And again, doing. Being with their families, being with their loved ones. And yeah, I mean, near and dear to my heart. That's why the Green Cards program is so important to me, because we're advocating for those children that have been separated from their families.

[Catherine]

Yeah, we're definitely going to talk about that now. A few weeks ago, I finished shooting a movie. It's coming out in the beginning of 2025. It's called 40 days.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Congratulations.

[Catherine]

Thank you. And it's exactly about. And it's by a. An award winning director that I love so much. His name is Peter Takla. He's an Egyptian immigrant. But this movie is exactly about what we're talking about. It's about immigrants crossing the desert to come to the United States illegally. And as I was shooting the movie, my part in the movie is very small. I played one of the coyotes.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Wow.

[Catherine]

And I.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

And.

[Catherine]

And it's the first time in my life that I was behind the camera as one of the producers, but as I was playing one of the coyotes. And we were not shooting on a stage. Right. We were not shooting on set. We literally were shooting out in the wood.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah.

[Catherine]

In the Hunger Mountains, in the elements. So as I was shooting the movie, I was getting very emotional. It was A very. For all of us, of course, especially for the actors playing and all these immigrants. I, I'm standing there 12 hours, 18 hours, you know, and I'm having to mistreat these people because that's my character. And I was thinking to myself, wow, right now at this given moment, there are people actually out there in the real desert, right, risking their lives many, many times. They get murdered by this coyotes, they get left behind by this coyotes to. And they. So throughout they hope they're gonna reach the U.S. border, but they don't know. Right, Correct. So this is my question to you, which I don't, I don't even know if you can answer, but that's the part that is always mind boggling to me. I mean, why would anybody risk their life? Is it worth it? Is, is their life that bad that they're like, I'm gonna grab my backpack and I'm gonna go for it?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. Again, I don't have any personal experience, but I can tell you that through the water drop program, which is amazing, right. We're out there leaving water and food and we know that we're saving lives because we have had people who crossed the desert and found the food and found the water and then came back to us and said, thank you so much, you saved my life. If you hadn't done that, I don't know that I would have made it. And in fact, the beauty there is that those same people then want to volunteer to work and volunteer as a water drop volunteer and do it for others because they know how important it is. But to answer your question, I can only guess because again, I want to reiterate that people are giving up everything, their culture, their, their home, their language, family, friends to do that. And I think there has to be a really, really difficult circumstance that happens. Now I know that some people are doing it because they're, they're, they're being persecuted. Their family members have been killed. In fact, in the documentary that we're showing tomorrow, it talks about some of these people who lost family members and they really had no choice. It was either stay and die or try to escape. But, but yeah, no, I think, I think people think long and hard before they, they make that journey. And again, always with the hope that they will have a better life.

[Catherine]

Yeah, it's interesting that you said that because that's another thing too, that I think this government, many times they give people this impression. And I also think a lot of Americans, they think, oh, these illegals are all criminals and it's Far from true. Some of them are, yeah, some of them are, yes. But I think that's the minority. Like you said, most of them really just want a chance at a better life. And I think you mentioned something. A lot of them are many times running away from the cartels. Right. Their lives are threatened by the cartels. Their families got murdered. They don't have food, they don't have anything. And they're just so desperate because like you said, I think people forget when you're crossing the desert and you can die, they're halfway through, you're taking a huge risk. You're not like, coming here for fun, like, oh, I'm gonna go to Disneyland or, oh, I'm gonna go there and steal somebody's Rolex, you know.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah.

[Catherine]

And it's so important to shed light on this part of. Of their story.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah, I. I want to. You know, again, let's add to that. And I think that this is also really important because that stereotype of criminals and is also related to Latinos and how it's. All of these people who are crossing are from Mexico, and that is simply not true. There are wars happening in other countries, and people are fleeing those wars, specifically, like in Ukraine and coming or trying to cross the border to come to this country because they're fleeing war. And so that. That, you know, perception of one particular group is just not true. There are people coming here from, like I said, Ukraine, China, Haiti, Venezuela. I mean, from everywhere. And so, again, that's why Border Angels is around, because we're trying to look at that and say, okay, how do we help these people from all these different countries with different languages and different cultures? How do we help them, get them the resources that they're looking for in the culture, in the language that they need, connecting them with whoever can help them.

[Catherine]

Yeah, it's so tough, you mentioned for people that probably a lot of people didn't don't even understand. You were talking about the water drop.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Oh, yeah.

[Catherine]

It's literally what you said. You guys go out there, do the crossing where they are, and you literally leave water and food. Correct.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's right. That's right. And again, so.

[Catherine]

Yeah, can you. Go ahead, Go ahead.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. No, no, I was just going to say, you know, I'm very grateful to the volunteers that we have. We have a. A tremendous group of people who are so committed to this and who have the health and energy to climb those mountains. And, you know, what they do is they'll go out and look for places where people have Left trash, which is a way for them to know that someone is using that path. And so they pick up all that trash and leave fresh water. And so with the hope that that person, that the people on that same journey will find it when they get there and help them survive again. During. Like you said, you were out there 16 hours. You know how hot it gets and how cold it gets.

[Cat]

Oh, my God.

[Catherine]

Yeah. And. And like I said, and we were acting, so, of course, you know, you say, take a break, and we have food, we have water, we have coats, we have jackets. But as I was there, of course, my brain and the. I remember the main actress, you know, there was a scene that they're crossing this little river, and her. Her shoes were soaking wet. Soaking wet. Soaking wet.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's right.

[Catherine]

And. And she was exhausted. She's an actress. And at one point, we looked at each other and we had tears in our eyes because we were like, can you imagine that there is someone out there right now going through this? But she doesn't have a warm shower. She doesn't have other shoes to put on. She doesn't know if she's gonna make it. She doesn't know if she's gonna die out here. Because this coyotes, that's another thing, too, right? Jesus. They. They take these people's money and they say, let's say, whatever, give me $10,000, give me $15,000. But they're not treating them like, you know, tour guides.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Right? It's not a tour guide. And. And again, you know, you talk about coyotes, and I want to clarify for you that there's also wild animals in the desert as well. So there's. There's, you know, there's fear of being attacked. And you talked about this woman crossing the water. Imagine her with two children. Imagine her being pregnant. You know, again, another misnomer is that people say it's just men, but it's not.

[Catherine]

Yeah. It's families. It's little children.

[Cat]

Right.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

It's family. So. So, again, how can we not treat them humanely? And I understand that it's against the law, and we have to address that as well, but let's do it humanely. Yes, humanely.

[Catherine]

So let's address that. Because, of course, I know a lot of people are going to listen to the podcast. And so let's play devil's advocate, because let's be honest, most of the country voted for Trump. A lot of people agree with mass deportation. A lot of Americans are going to listen and say, you know what? They're illegals. They shouldn't, shouldn't be here, they shouldn't be in our country. Da, da, da, da, da. Okay, so, and I completely agree with you. I'm a huge advocate for some kind of a very humane immigration reform. How do we do that? Do you have any idea? Where would we even start?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's a really good question. And again, this is where we have to look at who, who are the people out there advocating and whatnot and being vocal, but making sure that they are being heard at the, at the, in the government. Right, because that's where it's all going to happen. So advocacy is really, really important. And I feel very grateful that there are so many groups out there working very, very hard to make this. But it is a tremendous challenge. Let's be realistic. It won't happen in, in one year. It won't happen in four years. Long after Trump is gone, we will still be debating this. So, you know, all I can say is that I am grateful to be a part of it. And I encourage everyone to participate at whatever level they can, whether it's volunteering, giving money, you know, talking to senators, talking to government officials and talking about. Because again, yes, you're right. You know, Trump won the election fair and square, but that doesn't mean that he represents everyone. And for those people who do not believe in these policies, they have to step forward, they have to participate. And again, do it, do it legally, do it professionally, do it with kindness. Right? There's, there's a lot of people who are being angry and whatnot. That's not going to work. We have to be, we don't want to be that person. We want to be the, the kind person who represents the people who we want to serve, if that makes any sense.

[Catherine]

No, I agree with you 1 million percent. And you know, to me, and tell me if you agree with me or you think I'm being too similar, simplistic. I always thought about, when I think about these people, right, that come in here, okay, somebody's illegal. I think it's a very easy way to solve the problem. I don't think immigration is like one size fits all because each person is different. So let's say someone comes in here and they have a job for whatever, 10 years, 15 years, they are contributing to society. They're not bothering anybody, okay, give them a visa, let them stay, because that's what we want. We want somebody that's contributing and paying taxes. I think it should be a very simple solution, a case by case decision as opposed to like when they go in front of this detention center, whatever it is, these attorneys, they treat everybody like a number, like the law. And I never understand that, because why would you treat, okay, somebody is a criminal. If somebody committed a crime, I agreed to throw them out. But there are people that have been here for 10, 15 years. The other day I saw on TV this lady that has been working in some. She picks crops, tomatoes, I forgot the details. For 20 years, she doesn't bother anybody. That's all she does day and night, night and day. She picks crops and she works for this farm and she sends money back home. 20 years. I mean, you're gonna throw this lady out. You know what I mean? I think, why don't they see each one case by case? That would be the end of the problem.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

No, Catherine, that's a very simple solution.

[Catherine]

Why don't they do that?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

It's. It's unfortunate, but it is too simple. Again, there's so many variables in all of this. And again, I want to just do a real shout out to the people who come here for education and for the DACA students who are able to stay and be educated. And it impacts not just the United States, but it impacts the world. Whether it's in science or medicine, they are contributing. But again, sorry, it's too simple. It's not going to be one by one because there are millions of people who are being impacted.

[Catherine]

But listen, they throw. Let's say they get 500 people today and they throw them in a detention center like they're all criminals. Which is not true.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

True.

[Catherine]

Right. They give you a number like, okay, all of you are going to be deported because the law says none of you can stay here. I personally think you're just saying to me that's a little too radical. I think they. And they all have to go through the. The officer. Right? Every single person that goes to the attention center, they have to go through an immigrant. I don't know what they're called. They're not called Immigration officer, if they're called ice, or they have to go through a representative. What's the name?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah, I don't. I. Yeah, but. But again, you know what? Again, you're painting a picture about the detention centers that I can't answer. Yeah, but I can tell you, because we have a program that allows those people in detention centers to get a bond so they can go live with their family and friends while they're waiting for their court case. So for us, it's about, okay, we can't fix the Detention center. We can talk about it and we can learn from it, but we can advocate for the people who are in the system.

[Catherine]

I love that. So there you go. So once they, you, you do that and they get a bond and they, they go stay with their family. Once they go to court, in my opinion, the judge, whoever looks at the case should look at a case by case.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

And I think they do.

[Catherine]

They. I don't know if they do. That's not what I heard. Honestly, that's not what I heard. Especially now. What I heard now is that like if you're illegal, you're gonna be kicked out.

[Cat]

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[Catherine]

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[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah, I, I don't think that's the case. I think, I think what we're seeing is an overwhelmed system that is. And again, talking about how it impacts us. Right?

[Catherine]

Yeah.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

So we, we put a post a bond for an individual and then they wait for their court date because the system is so backlogged. There are lots of people waiting and waiting and waiting and I don't know for how long, six months, eight months, whatever that backlog is causing those people to have to be in those detention centers for a very long time. Which is why we step in and provide them the bond. And by the way, you know, for anybody who's listening, the majority of people who we help by giving them that bond do show up to court and go through the process. They don't go into hiding, they don't do any of that stuff that you've heard that that's not true for us. The majority of people participate and honor the fact that we are helping them all the way into their court cases and stuff. So it's a really wonderful testimony, I think, to the people who are, who again are just trying to do it properly legally by going through the system.

[Catherine]

That's amazing. That's all they want, right? They just literally want to stay here legally and contribute and get jobs.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's right, that's right. That's right. So again, just to correct that, in case people don't don't understand why we.

[Cat]

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[Catherine]

A lot of people don't understand it. And I got some messages. I was talking to a friend of mine and she said something. I mean, it's not me, but I'm gonna put it out there, okay? And I don't agree with it at all, by the way, but she was like, that's what she said. She said, oh, you know, I'm a legal immigrant. She's from Europe. She's been here her whole life. She said, I am a legal immigrant. I came here with a student visa, I studied, I work my ass off. Then I got a green card, blah blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Then 20 years later, I became a citizen. I did everything by the book. If this, people like this, organizations like Border of Angels are helping illegals. You're just encouraging more people to come illegally if they cannot come legally. What would you say to somebody like that?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

You know, I would say, and I don't know the history of this person, right? But like I told you, I'm an immigrant. I became a US Citizen as well. But I didn't do that alone. My family gave up everything to come to this country and for us. We were very fortunate that there were community organizations to help us who provided us food, who provided us transportation, who helped us find a place to live for my family, right? Not just me, but my whole family. And again, I would remind your friend to maybe look back on their history and say, hey, did anybody ever help you in your, in your process? And that's all Border Angels is doing, is just stepping in. And again, not just us, right? There are lots and lots of wonderful organizations out there doing amazing work. And I'm talking about big organizations like Jewish Family services to the church around the corner. All of these people are helping in some way. And those are the same people who, fortunately for my family, helped us to get settled so that we could, you know, again, live the American dream that everyone wants to do, right?

[Catherine]

Yeah. And I don't. I personally. This is what I think. Let's say you guys did not exist. People would still be coming. And I think, like you said, more people would be dying. Basically, more people would be dying, try to cross this horrific crossing, which I knew of it, of course, you know, nowadays, especially with the Internet, social media and everything, but once I did the movie, and we did so much research on everything, and once we started shooting there, I was like, oh, my God, the cross. And I invite. I'm not kidding. This is the most perfect timing for this movie to come out. It's called 40 days. Once it comes out, I encourage everybody to watch it because I think even people that have a negative view of these illegal immigrants, you. If you have a heart, you're gonna feel compassion towards them, because these are real people. Like you said, they have kids, they have families, they have dreams. Some of them die on the way. Because if you get hurt, like you said, if you get bit by a snake or anything, like, if you fall and you trip and you get hurt, they leave you behind. They leave you behind and they keep walking like they're not gonna help you and carry you. They leave you in the middle of the desert to die, right?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. And again, it's not just coyotes. I mean, people are doing it on their own. Right? People are crossing the desert on their own. Again, I just say, whether you believe that immigration is that people are migrating here, shouldn't do it illegally or not, I would say just open up your heart and look at the humanity of it and say, okay, here they are. What are we gonna do? Right? What do we do? It's just like finding someone who is hurt. You don't walk away. You. You try to help them. You call at the ambulance, you call 911-whatever. It's just the human. It's just the humane thing to do.

[Catherine]

Right. We hope if you see. See somebody hurt anywhere, you don't ask them, oh, by the way, are you legal? Do you belong here?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Right, Right. Or. Or. Or for race? Right. I mean, it could just be race or sex or whatever. Yeah, there's a lot. There's a lot going on. There's a lot going on. And again, not trying to solve the world's problems, but trying to do a little bit to make it better. To make it better. And so that people who have questions need the support, they know that we will direct them to. And by the way, there are numbers of organizations, I'm very proud of this, all along the border, not just in San Diego, but also Arizona and Texas who are doing the same water drop kind of programs because they know, they know how important it is and how necessary it is. So which it's, it takes, it takes a lot of us to do what we're doing.

[Cat]

Oh, my God.

[Catherine]

Yeah, that's. It's thousands and thousands of people out there. And it's a huge, huge area. Literally. I mean, it's. And I have to mention before I forget, although Trump, of course, I think he's very radical, the way he looks at immigration. Even his wife. Right. I think it's the first time she rarely opens her mouth, but I think it's one of the few things that she made up point in saying that she did not agree with his policies, especially when it came to separating children from their mothers, because that's one of the most horrific things. I mean, I don't have kids, but I cannot imagine doing that.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah.

[Catherine]

To a mother. I cannot imagine doing that to a kid. And I'm so glad she spoke up and I don't know, moving forward, what they're going to do. I don't know if she has any influence in, in him and in, in how the government acts, but it's something that should change right away, right?

[Cat]

Jesus.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. Again, I, we aren't involved in the legal aspect of advocacy. I mean, legally pushing for change and whatnot. Certainly we do support those things. But again, I would say to you, there are people on the front lines right now looking at ways to block those changes. A bunch of different legal organizations that are looking and blocking that, as well as people in the political field that don't agree with it, who saw firsthand when it happened how horrific it was, people living in cages and whatnot. And I personally volunteered one summer to do social work with the children that were separated. And it was devastating to see them. It was devastating. I, again, we had the opportunity to let the children talk to their families for the first time in a long time. And it was heartbreaking, but it was, again, these children were still, and I say this to you because it's important, regardless of how, how bad those things are, they still were happy at moments. They still had fun. They were still children, you know, and we were able to help them through that. But, but that, you know, that's small compared to the experience and the trauma that they experienced in being separated from their families.

[Cat]

Oh, my God.

[Catherine]

Yeah. I would hope to God this never happens. That's one thing that honestly embarrassed me.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

I. Me, too. Me too. I just don't. I just don't see it.

[Cat]

Country.

[Catherine]

I. I say, like, I am a proud American immigrant, but that's one aspect of it that makes me cringe, and it really makes me want to cry.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah. Well, again, you know, I don't. I don't want to get too philosophical, but you know what? We're all human beings, and we're learning, and we're doing the best that we can, and there are ups and downs, and we hopefully will learn from our mistakes.

[Catherine]

Yeah. But on a good note, you guys do. Let's talk about this, because I think it's very important. You do have a project of green card for kids. Can you tell people about that? Because it's on your website, and I think that's nice.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

It's. It's really near and dear to my heart. There is an attorney. Her name is by the name of Fabiola. I can't remember her last name right now, but she had this idea about helping kids that were, you know, in Child Protective Services, and she contacted Border Angels, and they started the program a few years ago. And it's amazing. The challenging part for me, of course, is because these are children, we don't get to interact with them, you know, for their protection, but we do interact with her, and she has wonderful stories about these kids. So, yes, that's another program. I hope that we can continue to grow so that we can serve more kids, because obviously. Or maybe not obviously, but it's expensive. Even though, you know, she is gracious and gives us a very nice discount on legal fees, some of these kids are going to need services for a very long time. And so, yeah, that's. But it's an amazing program, and I'm so glad that she presented it to.

[Catherine]

Us and you guys. So how does it work? Like, if somebody out there is listening, they reach out to you, and you connect the person with that with. With this attorney.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

So typical. Yeah. So typically, what happens is that the child will be in. In the detention center. Right. And the social worker will contact us regarding the child and ask us to pay for Fabiola to represent the child in court. And. And. And whatever their situation might be, whether they're nine years old or whether they're 15 years old, there's a lot of different pieces that I don't. I'M not familiar with, since I'm not.

[Catherine]

An attorney and I have to mention, and you guys are a non profit and all the money that come in is from donations, right?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That's right. That's right. The goodness of people's hearts. And I'm very grateful for that. Again, another positive, regardless of all of the stuff, there are still really wonderful people out there who are making contributions. The number of volunteers that we have to be able to do water drops and educational programs, that couldn't happen without their, without their giving of their time and energy to make it happen. So, yeah, again, it's an amazing organization. I'm very proud to be a part of it. I am, you know, going to do whatever I can to continue to do what we've been doing as well as look at new ways of helping. And I. And again, we haven't even talked about the CASA program or the, you know, helping out the shelters in Tijuana.

[Catherine]

Yeah. Oh, my God, you guys do so much. It's incredible. It's incredible.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

So, yeah, so invite people to come to our website.

[Catherine]

And I am putting the website here on this episode, which is borderangels.org right.borderangels.org if you guys want to know more. I think it's a very complicated issue, to say the least. Right. Jesus. But in my eyes, the way I see it is like, you know, before you judge people, before you say, like, oh, they're all scumbags, you know, they're all monsters. They're all coming here to rape and kill a murder. This is not true. Not true. This is so far from the truth. So many of these people are wonderful people that just want a shot at a better life. So I agree with you. I think I always hope and, and pray that there is a much more humane way to deal with the situation. And you guys do a fantastic job down there.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Thank you. Yeah. No, again, I think once we have the documentary, I mean, we're promoting it so that we'll be able to share it with the world. I think that's a really good way for people to see it. Just like the movie that you're in. Yeah, I'm hoping we can share that as well.

[Catherine]

Yeah. Where can people find the documentary?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yeah, again, the it parts of it have testimony from people that have gone through the experience of being in the detention center, living in the shelters, all of those things. And it really presents this, the, the whole immigration issue really well in that it shows them as human beings, it shows them as families, and it shows them as Being, you know, just, again, just human beings like you and I having good days and bad days and still feeling hope. And I think that's another thing, again, if we can convey that to your listeners, is that we are all about that. We're all about that hope and trying to give people some hope in a very, very difficult time.

[Catherine]

Yeah. Amazing. Thank you so much for your time. Congratulations on your work because I know it's very, very hard. I love the name Border Angels because I think you guys are. Are definitely angels. You have to be a very special type of human or not human, a special type of angel to help these people. They definitely need help. And I'm very grateful for you to be here on the show. And if you guys have any questions, I know I'm going to get tons and tons of messages, the positive and the negative, because I know a lot of people out there, you know, it is what it is. They say, like, we don't want them here. Get the hell out. Period. But I'm on your team. Like, I. I agree. I think there's always a right way to do things and there's a right way to treat people, and I always think we should put ourselves in the person's shoes. That's the way I live my life, you know, and.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

And I appreciate it that we live in a country where we can express our opinion whether it's agree or disagree. I just ask people to be kind and, you know, whatever way you feel, that's fine. Just be kind about it and. And nothing more.

[Catherine]

Yeah, Just getting tough sometimes, you know, even asking people to be kind this day.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

And true. It's true.

[Catherine]

You know, sometimes it's like, wow, I see so much aggression out there. And the way they talk to each other, that's another thing that I don't like the words used in. On the aggression and. Which is completely unnecessary, especially about people that we don't know. We don't know the story stories. We don't know the background. So I think we need to pause and. Yeah, like, maybe, if possible, like, put yourselves, if you can, on the person's shoes and what they're going through and maybe through your documentary, my movie 40 Days. This is why I love telling stories like that, because maybe you can see a little bit more the hard side of. Of what these people go through.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Right, that's right. That's right. And so I'm going to say my closing statement. Become a Border Angel. Okay. That doesn't mean you have to come and join me. It doesn't mean you have to volunteer for me. Just become a border angel. Wherever you are, live that experience, all right? That's what people need to do.

[Catherine]

Yeah, you're right.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

And. And it'll be a better world because of it.

[Catherine]

Oh, I couldn't agree with you more. Now, before I let you go, where is this documentary going to be available if anybody wants to watch it?

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Sure, sure. Again, if people go to our website, they can get. They can see the film teaser.

[Cat]

Okay.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Once the film has premiered, then we will make it available for our viewing at, you know, wherever. Wherever anybody wants to see it. The more people see it, the better.

[Catherine]

And this is what I said. Like I said, whichever side of the conversation you guys are in, even Trump voters, even Americans that, that, that agree with mass deportation, do yourselves a favor and educate yourselves about the subject. Right. Jesus. That's how I feel before judging everyone. I mean, I've been judged my whole life. I'm sure it has happened to you as well. Like. Right. Just the fact that we're immigrants. Just because I have an accent. When I tell people that I'm an American and I've been here my entire life, they don't believe me. They're like, no, you have an accent. I'm like, I have college degrees. I've been here at my home. I don't know why my accent doesn't want to go away, but it's true. So I've been judged my whole life. But I think whatever you want to decide about immigration, illegal immigrants, mass deportation, watch the. Go to the website, look at border angels, watch the documentary, see some stories, some. Some testimonials. Educate yourself before judging these people, because they need some compassion for sure. If. If nothing else.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Again, Catherine, there are so many things that we need to fix.

[Catherine]

Yeah.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

That immigration, again, it's important to me and it's important to you, but if it's not important to somebody else, then tell them to go and, you know, pick up trash or. Yeah, you know, volunteer at the senior home. There's lots and lots and lots of good that needs to happen in this country. Even if this is not your topic, go do something else.

[Catherine]

Oh, my God. I know. My. And by the way, I'm. I'm recording. We're doing this via Zoom, and I'm. I'm not in my studio. I'm recording from home. And my dog Phoenix has been so nice throughout the entire episode. And now he woke up because there's somebody at the door. So thank you, Felix, for being nice for 45 minutes. So now he's like, I can't believe.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

We'Ve been talking for 45 minutes.

[Catherine]

I know, right? We could talk for, like. Like you said, go do something. On the last note, this is what I'm gonna say. If you're against immigration, go pick your tomato. Especially here in California. We are responsible for 50% of the produce and fruits of the entire United States. And if you talk to. To the farmers, the people working in the farms in California are illegal immigrants because they are the only ones that want to work there. And even if the farmers offer more money, Americans do not want to work in the farms.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

You're so political.

[Catherine]

No, I'm not kidding. Before you say anything, if you don't want anybody here, that's another example, right? Just give these people, like, some kind of a visa to work in the farms, you know what I mean? Before throwing them out. Because Americans don't want to go work in the farms. And if you want to throw them out, you're gonna pay a lot more for your blueberries in your strawberries.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

All right? But no, no, no. I want to focus on people. Just people. Whether they want to work as a farmer or they want to be a scientist and go to a university. Okay. Of course there's something for everybody worry about.

[Cat]

Oh, I agree.

[Catherine]

No 1 million percent. This was just a. On a side note, Ms.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Politics.

[Catherine]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Thank you so much, Jesus. Congratulations, you guys. Doing amazing.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Touch. Okay.

[Catherine]

Yes. And next time, hopefully I'll. I'll come down there and we can do the next person.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

I would love that.

[Catherine]

I would love that honor.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Yes, you are. You are welcome anytime. And of course, let us know about your movie. Congratulations.

[Cat]

Yes.

[Catherine]

And congratulations on your beautiful documentary. And I know we're gonna get 10,000 and questions for you guys, so it will be a huge honor to have you back.

[Jesus Gonzalez]

Good, good. Well, I'll keep you posted.

[Catherine]

Thank you. Very grateful for your time. Thank you, guys. Be safe out there. And I'll see you very soon.

[Cat]

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