1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I’m writing to ask you to urge the Department of the Interior and relevant federal agencies to reconsider their decisions not to renew permits for 12 water stations maintained by Humane Borders in the Arizona desert, and to explain those decisions in writing. These stations provide drinking water in a region where extreme heat and long distances can make survival a matter of hours. Volunteers maintain marked water barrels that are used by migrants, hikers, hunters, and Border Patrol agents. Keeping people alive in the desert does not require agreement on immigration policy; it is a practical, humane measure that has been permitted under administrations of both parties. As Jesus said, “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only… he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42, KJV) I support secure borders and enforcement of our laws. But removing water stations will not secure the border or deter crossings. It risks more preventable deaths and leaves families without answers about loved ones who disappear in the desert. We can uphold the law while taking reasonable steps to prevent people from dying of thirst. Please ask the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service to reconsider the permit denials, provide their reasons in writing, and work with Humane Borders on safeguards that address legitimate land-management concerns while keeping safe drinking water available.