*Juan Esteban Ruiz was arrested during the No Borders Camp at the U.S./Mexican border on November 11, 2007, while playing the drum, in other words, using his rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances specified by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. He was charged with two counts of assaulting a federal officer. The charge was reduced to "interfering" with a federal officer. The case is now closed, as detailed below.
*Federal case completed*
On Feb. 19, 2008, Juan appeared in Federal Court in San Diego on charges stemming from his participation in a protest at the U.S.-Mexican border on Nov. 11, 2007. We are happy to report that his case was resolved without endangering his immigration status. Juan agreed that he had been present at the protest, playing his drum, and had been too close to the Border Patrol officers. The judge commended Juan for his volunteer work and social activism and said that he wished more young people were as engaged as Juan.…
