Latinx Activism in the Borderlands

We are honored to have Rogelio Nuñez with us on this fourth episode of Latinx Activism in the Borderlands. Rogelio Nuñez is the executive director of legal defense and advocacy organization Proyecto Libertad from Harlingen, Texas. 

Zaira Emiliana Livier is a Mexican-born human rights activist, writer, story teller, and abolitionist. Currently, Zaira serves as executive director for People’s Defense Initiative, a grassroots, anti-capitalist organization that she co-founded in 2018 as a community defense front against repressive policies and structures. The PDI collective has led campaigns and programs such as the Tucson Sanctuary initiative, Feeding Those Who Feed Us, and the Tucson Tenants Union. 

Ramona Casas co-founded ARISE (A Resource in Serving Equality) in 1987. She has worked for 32+ years advocating for social justice issues with low-income residents of the Rio Grande Valley. ARISE promotes the development and empowerment of the immigrant community through educational programs that strengthen their organized community and civic participation. She facilitates Social Justice coordination and organizes events, marches, forums and presents related topics that affect the community.


David Jaimes was born in Lima, Peru but grew up in Santa Ana, CA. He is currently serving at Santa Ana UMC and pursuing ordination. David holds a degree from Barclay College in Bible/Theology and is currently a divinity student at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has worked with various immigrant communities seeking justice as well as mobilizing faith leaders to action and compassion. You can find more about Arte de Lagrimas at https://www.artedelagrimas.org.