No Charges for Border Patrol Agents Who Killed Tribal Member in Arizona
Tohono O’odham Nation leaders are outraged by the ”unjust” decision made by federal prosecutors to not press charges against Border Patrol, who fatally shot a senior tribal member in his own front yard on May 18. The tribe’s executive chairman and vice-chairman have condemned the decision as a ”travesty of justice.”
Seeking Redress for an Unjust Decision
The family of Raymond Mattia, the shooting victim, recently met with representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office to discuss the decision. However, the tribe plans to take further action to address this injustice.
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6/25/2023“The facts speak for themselves, and they do not support the U.S. Attorney’s decision—Mr. Mattia was an unarmed man in his own front yard,” expressed the tribal leaders.
There are still many unanswered questions surrounding the incident, and the tribe refuses to accept the U.S. Attorney’s decision without further investigation.
On the night of May 18, Mr. Mattia called the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department (TOPD) to report illegal migrants on his property. TOPD then requested assistance from Border Patrol, leading to the fatal encounter.
The encounter was captured on body-worn cameras worn by the responding Border Patrol agents. The released video footage shows Mr. Mattia approaching the agents, but it remains unclear how many shots were fired at him.
Family members claim that Mr. Mattia was carrying a cell phone, not a weapon. An autopsy report revealed that he was shot nine times, but the exact number of shots fired is still unknown.
Shot Nine Times
“We asked how many shots were at Raymond,” said Mr. Mattia’s niece. “They refused to answer, except that the number was ‘substantial’.”
During the meeting with federal prosecutors, Ms. Navarez, Mr. Mattia’s niece, pressed for answers but felt that they were defending Border Patrol rather than seeking justice.
The Tohono O’odham Nation’s executive office intends to explore other avenues, including potential Congressional inquiries, to rectify this unjust decision. They will continue their efforts to obtain justice for Raymond’s death.
According to Ms. Navarez, this incident is not the first negative encounter between tribal members and Border Patrol, but it is the most tragic. The tribe feels unsafe and believes that the government is biased against them.
What actions is the Tohono O’odham Nation taking to address the shooting of Raymond Mattia?
Mes)” align=”right” height=”300″ width=”450″>On May 18, Raymond Mattia, a senior member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, was tragically shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent in his own front yard. The incident sparked outrage within the tribe, and their leaders are now expressing their deep disappointment and anger at the decision made by federal prosecutors not to press charges against the officer involved.
The Tohono O’odham Nation, located in southern Arizona, has a long history of struggle and mistreatment by government authorities. This recent incident, in which a tribal member was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent, is seen by many as a continuation of the unjust treatment endured by the tribe. The fact that no charges will be filed against the officer responsible has only intensified the feelings of injustice and frustration among the tribal leaders and the community as a whole.
The family of Raymond Mattia has sought answers and accountability from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, but the meeting held between the family and representatives from the office did not yield the desired outcome. Frustrated by the lack of justice, the tribe is now determined to take further action to address this grave injustice.
It is important to note that Raymond Mattia was an unarmed man in his own front yard at the time of the shooting. The tribe’s executive chairman and vice-chairman, in condemning the decision not to press charges, have highlighted this fact and expressed their disbelief at the justification provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This tragic incident has once again brought attention to the issue of excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies, particularly in cases involving marginalized communities. The Tohono O’odham Nation has long been advocating for justice and fair treatment, and the shooting of Raymond Mattia serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within these agencies.
The tribe’s leaders have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the shooting, with the hope that it will shed light on the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. Additionally, they are urging the authorities to reconsider their decision and hold the responsible Border Patrol agent accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, the Tohono O’odham Nation is seeking support and solidarity from other Indigenous communities, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens in their fight for justice. They are determined to make sure that incidents like this do not go unnoticed or unaddressed, and that the rights and lives of tribal members are respected and protected.
In conclusion, the decision not to press charges against the Border Patrol agent who fatally shot Raymond Mattia has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Tohono O’odham Nation. This tragedy highlights the need for a comprehensive investigation and for reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tribe’s leaders and community members are united in their pursuit of justice and are calling for support from all who believe in the importance of equality and the protection of human rights. It is crucial that their voices are heard, and that steps are taken to rectify the injustice inflicted upon Raymond Mattia and the Tohono O’odham Nation as a whole.
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