The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #16

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Expresses Concern about CBP

In response to a PBS investigation that documented allegations of widespread abuse by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel, Congressman Serrano joined other Members of Congress to express grave concerns about the agency’s ongoing mistreatment of immigrants. The report, which mirrors the findings of multiple non-governmental organizations, found evidence of physical abuse, deprivation of food and water, sexual assault, and even torture by members of the nation’s largest law enforcement agency.

“The latest PBS reporting shows that the problems with violence at the CBP are widespread and systemic,” said Serrano. “The need for a top-to-bottom review of CBP practices and for increased training of their officers couldn’t be more clear. We must ensure the safety and well-being of immigrants and citizens near the border and in custody. Most of those who are detained have done little more than cross a border—they shouldn’t be treated like violent criminals or worse.”

In May, Congressman Serrano led a letter in which 16 members of Congress called for justice in the tragic beating death of an undocumented immigrant named Anastasio Hernandez-Rojas while he was in CBP custody and reiterated the need for tougher oversight of Border Patrol personnel. A grand jury has now been convened to investigate the Hernandez-Rojas case.

Serrano Meets with NYC Students

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano met with four students from the Close Up Foundation, who were in Washington to learn about how the federal government works. The students were from New York City and shared their concerns about issues affecting their community. The mission of Close Up is to inform, inspire, and empower students to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. "It was a pleasure to meet with these great young people," said Serrano after the meeting. "We had a great conversation."

Serrano with students

In the Bronx

Serrano Helps Kickoff Bronx Dominican Parade

On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and parade organizers for the opening event for the 23rd Annual Gran Parada Dominicana del Bronx. "It is just the beginning of an exciting week," said Serrano after the event. "I always look forward to the parade and seeing the whole community turn out for a wonderful celebration." The Parade will be held this coming Sunday along the Grand Concourse from Tremont Avenue to 167th Street.

Serrano and Diaz with parade organizers and other attendees at the kickoff

Serrano Participates in Unveiling of DiMaggio Stamp

On Saturday, Congressman Serrano joined Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. at the Bronx Post Office on the Grand Concourse as the Postal Service unveiled a stamp honoring Yankee legend, Joe DiMaggio. "Before this community existed as it does now, there were other heroes that made us proud to be Bronxites," said Serrano during the event. "And Joe DiMaggio was that symbol of hard work, that symbol of dedication, that symbol of doing everything right, and that symbol of being a proud American."

Serrano and Diaz at the stamp unveiling

Grant

Mathematics Learning Grant

Deadline: August 10, 2012

The National Institutes of Health recently announced the availability of grant funding to study various cognitive and environmental factors involved in learning mathematics. The purpose of the research is to better understand factors contributing to mathematical learning disabilities in order to prevent and ameliorate those disabilities. State and local governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profits are encouraged to apply.

Please visit the NIH website for more information.

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.