franknews

Embedded with US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in the fight against ISIS

by John Beck

April 5, 2018

Last summer John Beck photographed the SDF in Raqqa, Syria. Below we see some of his experience, as he saw it through the lens.

Above, Khalil, a teenage fighter with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sits for a portrait in western Raqqa close to a frontline where he and his comrades are battling ISIS. The group were all from the city and said they fought for revenge. They all claimed to be 18 but looked younger. Raqqa, Syria, 28/07/17.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters maintain their weapons at a base in western Raqqa. 28/07/17.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters fire at an ISIS drone near a frontline in western Raqqa. Raqqa, Syria,28/07/17.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters stand in front of smoke rising from a coalition airstrike on suspected ISIS positions in western Raqqa. Airstrikes such as this left the city in ruins and killed hundreds of civilians. Raqqa, Syria, 28/07/17.

A section of western Raqqa, the onetime capital of ISIS's self-declared caliphate seen through the windscreen of a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Humvee. Raqqa, Syria, 28/07/17.

A Closer Look at the Migrant Shelters in Tijuana

by Rebecca Mizrahi

July 31, 2019

Rebecca Mizrahi is a Freelance Photographer based in Los Angeles. You can see more of her work here.

Migration has been a constant across the world and throughout history. With the increased politicization of immigration in the United States, a true humanitarian crisis has emerged on both sides of the U.S. and Mexican borders. A day spent visiting shelters in Tijuana provided an intimate setting to hear first hand stories about the violence, poverty and persecution that compels migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to leave their homes and risk everything for a chance at a new life in the United States. Most obvious in people’s stories is a sense of grief and loss, ongoing fear and uncertainty about what’s to come, and a tremendous longing for a safe, secure future. These images are from a day in the life.

unnamed _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

The “double” border wall is visible from a bus in Tijuana. Non-profit volunteer organization, Border Angels estimates that since 1994, about 10,000 people have died in their attempt to cross the border. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 7,216 people have died crossing the U.S–Mexico border between 1998 and 2017. Conflicting estimates.

unnamed 1 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

Malecon, Playas de Tijuana. The border wall stretches into the Ocean but does not stop families from meeting to talk and pass notes to each other on either side. Although recent efforts seek to prevent this from continuing to happen.

unnamed 2 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

One of many “missing” in Tijuana, one of the largest border metropolises in the world. It is not uncommon for male and female migrants to become trapped in the sex trade, with very few options to survive while they wait for asylum.

unnamed 3 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

New tents, clothing and food provided by This is About Humanity. Name of shelter is concealed to protect asylum seekers fleeing violence/ persecution.

unnamed 4 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

Donated blankets used for padding in lieu of mattresses.

unnamed 5 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

Children’s vitamins and prenatal pills sit atop a makeshift office in the center of the shelter.

unnamed 6 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

Child watches as new tents are set up and old blankets are removed, a bottle of medicine and a plastic spoon beside her.

unnamed 7 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

A family watches as the shelter is overturned by volunteers trying to clean up after heavy rains.

unnamed 8 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

Diapers, a few toys and a math book show the simplest accumulation of items for a migrating family. Children have no way to attend school while moving from shelter to shelter and can go anywhere from a few months to several years without formal education.

unnamed 9 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

In 2018, Casa Cornelia Law Center responded to 883 adult asylum seekers in need, and 876 unaccompanied children.

unnamed 10 _{© Rebecca Mizrahi}

According to Casa Cornelia, about 90% of asylum seekers without an attorney are denied, but almost half of those with representation are successful. As of mid-2018, over 700,000 asylum cases remained open, with new applicants applying each day.

A Look Back at the Arizona Students' Association

by Cesar Aguilar

May 20, 2019

This interview with Cesar Aguilar, the executive director of the Arizona Students' Association, was conducted and condensed by frank news.

What are the overarching priorities of ASA?

We advocate for affordable and accessible higher education. It doesn't matter your background, your legal status, or where you come from. We want everyone to have equal access to a higher education. We believe that higher education is a right, and that everyone should have a right to a public education.

We do this by educating students on how to lobby, how to navigate power, and how to get a seat at the table making decisions. When we first started we were fighting for the 26th amendment – which gave students the right to vote at 18. We still focus on voter rights for young people.

How did you get involved in the ASA?

I got involved when we were connected to the National Student Association. President Obama was doing a lot of reforms to higher education. I remember jumping on a phone conference with the Secretary of State.

Everyone was at the table helping the secretary of education, Arne Duncan, with Obama's executive orders on reform on student loans. That was when I was like "wow, this organization is actually doing something about what is going on."

Funding only comes when you start to see a wave of a movement. As people start pushing for these things, then you start to see funding come back to the organizations.

ASA 2018

Below is a brief history of the ASA – and highlighted examples of their decades of work.

frank news is dedicated to storytelling across all mediums. A space for debate, discussion, and connection between experts and a curious readership. Topics are presented monthly with content delivered daily.

Founders

Newsletter

Issues

Categories