WASHINGTON—Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of
Austin, Texas, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB)
Committee on Migration, has issued the following statement on San Antonio law
enforcement’s identification of a tractor trailer containing 39 people,
including ten individuals who died due to heat exposure and asphyxiation.

Full statement follows:

My brother bishops and I are heartbroken
by the news coming from San Antonio regarding individuals found dead in a crowded
and overheated tractor trailer. I also note our continued concern and prayers
for the several other individuals identified, including school-aged children,
who are reported to have life-threatening injuries. The loss of lives is tragic
and avoidable. We condemn this terrible human exploitation that occurred and
continues to happen in our country. In a moment such as this, we reflect upon
the words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, “The defense of human beings knows
no barriers: we are all united wanting to ensure a dignified life for every
man, woman and child who is forced to abandon his or her own land.”

We together mourn for the lives lost and
offer our prayers for these individuals and their families.

—

Keywords: USCCB, U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops, Committee on Migration, Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, Committee on
Migration, migrants, tragedy, exploitation, Pope Francis, human life, dignity

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Norma
Montenegro Flynn
O: 202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops