Today the BBCRC joined with immigrant rights groups in calling for Union Pacific Railroad to cease its cooperation with “Operation Lone Star” in Texas, a program that criminalizes migrants found on UP property. Previously, UP agreed to end similar cooperation with ICE in California, a campaign BBCRC also supported. From the letter to Union Pacific signed by BBCRC and other groups:
“As advocates committed to advancing and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, we strongly call on Union Pacific to end its involvement in the racist and unconstitutional “Operation Lone Star” scheme. Union Pacific’s history and continued success are deeply connected to the hard work of immigrants and people of color. Nearly 160 years ago, immigrants helped build the transcontinental railroad, connecting the Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines. Today, immigrants continue to help your company remain a thriving business. In light of the profound role immigrants and people of color have played in your company, it is alarming and disappointing Union Pacific continues to assist in “Operation Lone Star”, a scheme created by Gov. Greg Abbott to illegally criminalize migrants to prevent them from seeking safety in the U.S.”. The full letter can be read and downloaded here.