The family of a man brutally beaten and tased to death by border patrol is marking the second anniversary of his death.
For the first time faith-based leaders are stepping up to support the family of Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas.
The family of Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas, members of the Southern Border Communities Coalition and religious leaders stood outside of the federal building Wednesday to send a strong message.
“You have all the evidence you have all the witnesses, Said Maria Puga, Rojas’ widow. "I don't know what else you're looking for. We want justice.”
In a new letter to President Barack Obama, the Southern Border Communities Coalition is asking that border agents be held accountable not only for the tasing death of Rojas, but for the killing or serious injury of at least 8 other border residents.
Prompting more than a hundred faith, civil and human rights groups are now demanding the Department of Justice to conduct an internal investigation.
“I do have members of the community who do cross the border on a daily basis they live in Tijuana they come here for school and for work,” said Imam Taha Hasane with the Islamic Center of San Diego. “As I'm concerned about them, I'm concerned about every single human being."
Now two years after Rojas' brutal death, a heartbroken family hopes their message will be heard.
“We didn't come here looking for money. We came here seeking justice, because not even all the gold in the world could pay for my son's death,” Said Luz Rojas, Rojas’ mother.
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According to the county medical examiner Methamphetamine may have contributed to Rojas’ death.
So far organizers have gathered more than 33,000 petition signatures and support from 16 members of Congress.
Diana Guevara covers stories involving San Diego's Latino community. Send her your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.
Find more of her stories in our special section.
