Violation of Constitution is alleged; County joins suits opposing barrier

By Erica Molina Johnson / El Paso Times

Article Launched: 05/28/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT

The federal government may be violating the Constitution as it proceeds with plans to build a fence between the United States and Mexico, the County Commissioners Court said Tuesday as it voted to join two lawsuits challenging the border fence construction.

"The County of El Paso is taking a leadership role, from my perspective, saying we believe the rights of our citizens should be honored and respected regardless of where we live," Commissioner Veronica Escobar said. "It seems because we live on the U.S.-Mexico border, our rights mean less than those who don't live on the U.S.-Mexico border."

The Commissioners Court voted during a special meeting Tuesday to join two lawsuits against the federal government regarding the construction

"Neither lawsuit seeks to deprive the federal government of building the fence," County Attorney José Rodríguez said after the meeting. "What the lawsuits seek is to require the federal government to follow procedures and due process, and to observe the constitutional rights individuals and the community have in these matters."