Coming from a lineage of Chicanos here in El Paso, TX, Juan Ortiz was nominated by @eurekafreekaflame for being an amazing humanitarian who continues to support the chicano community. His most recent work involves the controversy with the border and its repercussions which have allowed Juan to become the voice many people do not have but so desperately need. He is known for being a social justice organizer, artist, and loving friend. His dedication to the city of El Paso has led him to assist the immigrants who are oppressed and marginalized. More specifically, those who cannot help themselves such as children who are taken from their families. With growing up in the Sun City and even living so close to the border, Juan’s work with these families and children hits home. The overflow of people being dropped off in in the city of El Paso without any help or preparation for the tough weather conditions is what Juan is working diligently to end. In an excerpt from his interview with Democracy Now he states, “anyone who was there that day—and we were there that day assisting—could understand that the structural violence that was enacted against those children and continues to be enacted against those children in places like Tornillo, that was proof positive for us and anyone who was there to witness that, that those conditions are indeed real, and they’re indeed ongoing.” Juan is active in bringing awareness to Americans about the brutal treatment of those forced into these tent cities and how we can collectively come together to end the separation of people from their families. We look forward to see what Juan Ortiz does next for the community in El Paso and we are honored he is our Gente Del Chuco!
