These Grandmothers and Aunties Are Trying to Solve the Border Crisis

Last summer, a group of women in McAllen, Texas, couldn't help but wonder who was on the bridge that connects the United States with Mexico. What they were observing were groups of migrant mothers and children sleeping in 100-degree heat on the concrete Reynosa International Bridge. These families were waiting on the bridge to apply for asylum and made to wait for 5 days and more.

The group of Texas pals began communicating as their concern rose about the situation and how they could help ensure the safety and dignity of the people they saw sleeping on the bridge and near bus depots. (Families at the bus stations have been processed and released by Border Patrol.) Letting their sense of compassion lead them forward, they quickly organized and began bringing water, food, clothing, and diapers. It became a five-day-a-week calling, and the eight core members dubbed themselves the Angry Tias and Abuelas from the Rio Grande Valley.