In a social media post the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office vowed to pursue criminal charges against those responsible.
A memorial to 53 migrants who died inside a sweltering tractor-trailer in June 2022 on the city’s Southwest Side has been vandalized, the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney ’s Office ’s posted on social media Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the hateful act of vandalism committed against a memorial honoring the 53 migrants who tragically lost their lives here in San Antonio,” post read. “The memorial stood as a symbol of our city’s commitment to remembering those who have suffered. To tear it down is not only an act of disrespect, but also undermines our city’s values, which are rooted in culture and diversity. Acts of hate and discrimination have no place in our city, and we will not tolerate such behavior.” The post did not offer any details about the damage to the site or when it occurred. Photos accompanying the post showed white crosses strewn on the ground. READ MORE: Mexican nationals guilty in smuggling case that killed 53 migrants “Los 53 Migrantes Memorial” on Quintana Road honors the migrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras who died in an 18-wheeler’s trailer in late June 2022. Crosses for each victim were erected and adorned with flowers, wreaths and rosary beads. There were also photos of some of the victims. The migrants rode for nearly three hours from Laredo to San Antonio locked in the trailer with no air conditioning or ventilation, then were abandoned in the trailer on the side of Quintana Road. Their story has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, with new details emerging during the federal trial of two men involved in the migrants’ deaths. READ MORE: Here's what we learned from smuggling trial in deaths of 53 migrants Jurors on Tuesday found Felipe Orduna-Torres, 29, and Armando Gonzales-Ortega, 54, both of Mexico, guilty of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death. Each could receive life in prison when they are sentenced. Pictures of District Attorney Joe Gonzales and Mayor Ron Nirenberg at the vandalized site accompanied the post on Facebook. “We want to make it very clear that we are fully committed to holding those responsible accountable,” the post read. “This vile hate crime will not go unpunished, and we plan to prosecute to the full extent of the law. The people of San Antonio will always stand united against hate, and we will continue to protect the dignity and rights of every person within our community.”
Armando Gonzales-Ortega Joe Gonzales Ron Nirenberg Felipe Orduna-Torres San Antonio Southwest Side Mexico Los 53 Migrantes Memorial Quintana Road Honduras Mexican Guatemala Laredo Facebook Office
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