A Man Named After Another Man
Manuel Jesus Cordova-Soberanes left his home in Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico to seek work in the United States as a bricklayer. He left his four children behind and began his dangerous journey. Two days later he happened upon 9 year-old Christopher Buztheitner walking along a forest service road north of Nogales, Arizona. Christopher had shorts and a t shirt on and Manuel could see that the boy’s leg was bruised. Manuel does not speak English. Christopher does not speak Spanish.
Christopher leads Manuel over to the edge of the road. Some 300 feet down the embankment was a van. Inside the van was Christopher’s mother. She had died in the accident. Manuel stayed with Christopher and built a fire to keep the boy warm. Ironically, Manuel was hoping the Border Patrol would spot the fire and Christopher would receive the medical treatment that he needed. The next day a group of hunters found the pair. They contacted the authorities. Christopher was transported to a hospital in Tucson. Manuel was transported back to the border crossing at Nogales where he walked through the gate and back into Mexico.
Back at his home in Magdalena, Manuel told reporters that when he found Christopher out in the wilderness he thought of his own children. He stayed with Christopher as if he was one of his own knowing that he would be deported. Knowing that his journey to look for work in order to feed his four children would now end in his arrest. Yet knowing that he had no doubt on what he needed to do.
I am ashamed to say that the comments posted to this story in the Tucson newspapers indicate that the majority believe that Manuel is a criminal. That his act as a human being who showed compassion for a complete stranger does not atone for his crime of crossing the border illegally. A crime that is rarely prosecuted criminally. Those who say he is a hero are in the minority
I am in the minority that believe Manuel Jesus Cordova-Soberanes should absolutely be granted a work visa leading to a permanent legal residency in the United States for his action in saving the life of 9 year-old Christopher Buztheitner. All local area law enforcement agree that Christopher may have very easily died out in the cold desert night had Manuel not come along.
When a Catholic Mexican woman is expecting a child she will pray to Jesus and the Virgin Mary that her child be born healthy. Sometimes in return she promises to name the child Jesus or Maria to show her gratitude for the miracle. That may be why Manuel’s middle name is Jesus. I can only speculate, but it more than likely is the reason. So how appropriate is it that a man named Jesus makes a sacrifice to save a child, a stranger. And how interesting is it that in this CHRISTmas season that the majority of the gathered crowd want a man named Jesus treated as a criminal when he was arrested after aiding a child?
A man named after another man who once said, “suffer all the children to come unto me”.
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November 29th, 2007 at 11:45 am
He did a great thing, but the deportation is no big deal; he’ll just cross back in again, the way all the other deprotees do.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:48 am
Heck, I’m sure the only reason that they even drove him to the border(instead of making him walk)was to witness him actually crossing over back into Mexico.
Bastards.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:51 am
I think Frozen Tex is missing the point. As are the people who believe Manuel is a criminal.
It is a big deal. And the least that can be done for him is allowing him to remain in the country and getting him a work permit. I think a life is worth at least that.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
[quote comment="34588"]He did a great thing, but the deportation is no big deal; he’ll just cross back in again, the way all the other deportees do.[/quote]
I feel that to be a very cold hearted response, it is a big deal.
To put this young child before himself and even his own family knowing what the consequences would be… Manuel, in my heart is very courageous and is a true hero.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Nevermind Jesus. Nevermind Christmas. Manuel’s act of compassion wasn’t a christian thing to do it was a human thing to do. All humans should show compassion for one another, on a day to day basis, nearly regardless of circumstance. Humans should be treating each other with respect and dignity, not anonymity and reckless abandon. And yet it’s unfortunate that it has come to a time where society has warps living into morbid cut-throat competition.
And having said that, regardless if myself and the minority is right in believing that he should be honored, the pretense in this situation was to provide for his family, by illegal means. That is what transpired, and in my opinion, as disgusting and unfortunately as it is, he should be considered lucky for getting off so easy.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
I find it hard to believe that anyone, especially people near the community the boy is from, can see this man as anything but a hero. A boy is alive, that otherwise wouldn’t be, because this man was in the right place at the right time. For anyone with religious beliefs (not I ) one might say that Manuel was sent by god to save Christopher.
What he did to get there might have been illegal, but it was not immoral. Americans and their lifestyle* are propped up by exploitation and bullying of weaker countries and peoples, so it doesn’t bother me when a few thousand people sneak in to try and make their lives better.
It’s not like they sneak up on whitey and physically take your job out from under you. I don’t have hard numbers or statistics but it seems like the people sneaking in tend to take the hardest, dirtiest , or most thankless jobs that most people would never consider doing even if they lost their jobs, their cars, or their homes. They tend to work for less, and my impression is they work harder for it.
*most of “Western” culture really, but the US more than most by a long shot
Edit: ** probably all cultures now that I think about it. There is nothing uniquely “Western” about building a culture on the back of the poor and the weak
November 29th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
I shall light a candle..
November 29th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
That’s an amazing story. I hope Manuel and his family are now taken care of, because I can’t imagine that nobody will offer him work or financial support or whatever he needs. If young Christopher was part of my family, I would make it my personal mission to ensure Manuel becomes a citizen through any and every avenue available. The man’s a bona fide hero.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
to consider that what this man did is more of a criminal act than an act of heroism is appalling. and to deport him back to Mexico is even worse.
but such is the western society where Black Friday deals take up more news than this story.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
[quote comment="34591"][quote comment="34588"]He did a great thing, but the deportation is no big deal; he’ll just cross back in again, the way all the other deportees do.[/quote]
I feel that to be a very cold hearted response, it is a big deal.
To put this young child before himself and even his own family knowing what the consequences would be… Manuel, in my heart is very courageous and is a true hero.[/quote]
[quote comment="34590"]I think Frozen Tex is missing the point. As are the people who believe Manuel is a criminal.
It is a big deal. And the least that can be done for him is allowing him to remain in the country and getting him a work permit. I think a life is worth at least that.[/quote]
Strictly speaking, he IS a criminal. And it’s not like he’s being sent overseas, just across a border he’s likely crossed more than once. You don’t give the bankrobber a pass just ’cause he swerves his getaway car to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Well when the land belonged to Mexico (well, sort of) in the first place and it was stolen by the U.S. in the name of Manifest Destiny, one has to wonder who committed the first crime and who’s was bigger.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
[quote comment="34600"]Well when the land belonged to Mexico (well, sort of) in the first place and it was stolen by the U.S. in the name of Manifest Destiny, one has to wonder who committed the first crime and who’s was bigger.[/quote]
Uh, huh. And how far back in history shall we go? Almost everywhere on the planet belonged to someone else at one time or another.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
I’m with you, Dan. Great post.
November 29th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Don’t forward this to Lou Dobb’s, he’ll demand that Jesus be executed.
November 29th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Manuel Jesus Cordova-Soberanes
is a Hero….no Doubt about it….
Imagine for a Moment
that the Child he saved
was Yours
and then tell Me
this Man is not a Hero
November 29th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
It just goes to show that a country can age, but prejudice stays the same.
November 29th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
So does this mean that if while I’m in Canada, if I help someone in need that I get free entry into the country? Cause that would save me a lot of legal paperwork, time, and money.
November 29th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
[quote comment="34612"]So does this mean that if while I’m in Canada, if I help someone in need that I get free entry into the country? Cause that would save me a lot of legal paperwork, time, and money.[/quote]
Exactly. Free citizenship for Good Samaritans!
November 29th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Quoting Frozen Tex
“Strictly speaking, he IS a criminal. And it’s not like he’s being sent overseas, just across a border he’s likely crossed more than once. You don’t give the bankrobber a pass just ’cause he swerves his getaway car to avoid hitting a pedestrian”
There WAS an illegal alien from Mexico sent overseas once. He had joined the US Military and was sent overseas with his unit to Iraq where he was killed. He was granted US citizenship and there were people who complained about that. He left behind a wife and a child.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
It’s really fucking sad when these Christofacists think this man is a criminal and should not be in their counrty, but then defend the actions mercenaries like blackwater and not only think those people should be immune for the law in a foreign county but back on the streets terrorizing and entire population. Save a life in a foreign land, criminal. Murder 17 people in a foreign land, hero. Get your fucking shit together. Sorry but I have lost all patience for these people, racists, who never go after the rich white Americans who exploit the workers, who are just trying to feed their family.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
I believe things happen for a reason.
And I’m pretty sure there’s an angel named Manuel sent for a boy named Christopher.
When it comes to children, some would only involve themselves if they’re their own. That’s criminal to me. But that old saying “it takes a village” is something that everyone should live by. Obviously this man does.
There are criminals and then there are criminals. Is a criminal someone so desperate to help their family that they do what it takes to help them? Without hurting anyone? And, in the process, they cast aside their own agenda to help someone in need? That’s not a criminal to me.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
I’m actually from Tucson (but currently in college in New England) and I often read the local newspapers online. The comments on stories like this are horrifying, because there are always so many people who react in exactly the same way described above - that whether or not the person has done a good thing, like this man did, he is still a criminal who cannot be redeemed by anything. As far as crimes go, crossing an essentially arbitrary line isn’t too bad. Helping save the life of a boy who he didn’t even know, and who could have otherwise died, seems to me to totally make up for that crime.
Also, I really appreciate the inclusion of this on the website.
November 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Reading the post above, this case came to mind, where where a non-US citizen helped rescue a US citizen and was granted asylum for humanitarian reasons, and brought to the States along with his family.
I wonder if a petition would be of any assistance, in this instance…
November 29th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
[quote comment="34616"]I believe things happen for a reason.
And I’m pretty sure there’s an angel named Manuel sent for a boy named Christopher.
When it comes to children, some would only involve themselves if they’re their own.
That’s criminal to me.
But that old saying “it takes a village” is something that everyone should live by. Obviously this man does.
There are criminals and then there are criminals. Is a criminal someone so desperate to help their family that they do what it takes to help them? Without hurting anyone? And, in the process, they cast aside their own agenda to help someone in need? That’s not a criminal to me.[/quote]
I am so with you on this Deb!!! Not a criminal in my eyes… saving a life wipes out the “criminal” who crossed the line to attempt to save his family from starving to death…..
November 29th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
I was born and raised in Tucson newdisguise. I really appreciate Matt posting this when I asked him to consider it.. The plight of the people of Latin America is near and dear to me as the son of a Mexican and the spouse of a Bolivian.
November 29th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
[quote comment="34615"]It’s really fucking sad when these Christofacists think this man is a criminal and should not be in their counrty, but then defend the actions mercenaries like blackwater and not only think those people should be immune for the law in a foreign county but back on the streets terrorizing and entire population. Save a life in a foreign land, criminal. Murder 17 people in a foreign land, hero. Get your fucking shit together. Sorry but I have lost all patience for these people, racists, who never go after the rich white Americans who exploit the workers, who are just trying to feed their family.[/quote]
I hate to burst your little bubble but he shouldn’t be in their country, its not his country, he has no legal right to be there. As much as i empathize with the guy theres a reason for these laws. Also specifically which “rich white worker exploiting Americans” are you talking about?
November 29th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I hate to burst your little bubble, but their country also has people (just trying to feed their families) who shouldn’t be in other people’s countries. I guess we’re all just human.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
[quote comment="34623"]I was born and raised in Tucson newdisguise. I really appreciate Matt posting this when I asked him to consider it.. The plight of the people of Latin America is near and dear to me as the son of a Mexican and the spouse of a Bolivian.[/quote]
To Dan,
I appreciate you putting your time into this, and Matt for posting it. I was born in Southern California, and am of full Mexican descent. Anyway, I have to say I am a little disturbed by the attitude of some of the people posting, but will not stir the pot, as I have gone round with their ignorance before, and have no desire to do so again. I just wish that people who really know nothing of these kind of matters wouldn’t pretend like they did. I’ll be honest, I have driven several of my “illegal” relatives up into Washington state, so they could work. Funny thing is, no one seems to mind when they are getting undocumented workers for basically nothing. People who say things like “they are taking all the jobs”…please….I don’t know anyone who would do the work they do, especially for the wages they are doing them for. They only seem to be a problem during political terms where an American president is basically trying to steer clear of the real issues surrounding our country…
And can you really say that if it was YOUR child he had saved, that you would want him punished?
Sorry Dan, wasn’t aimed at you….only the thanks….
November 29th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
[quote comment="34631"]I hate to burst your little bubble, but their country also has people (just trying to feed their families) who shouldn’t be in other people’s countries. I guess we’re all just human.[/quote]
Right, so what do you suggest? we abandon all laws surrounding immigration? good idea im sure it will do wonders for the economy and the nation as a whole when half a billion people from around the globe suddenly swarm into it.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I don’t know. From a personal perspective, I would support the guy getting a work visa. I mean, the fact that he did all he did knowing he would be deported, doesn’t that speak to you that these are the kind of people we’d want working in our country? Er. Well, your country, because it’s not mine. But the point remains.
But I guess, to play devil’s advocate with my own point, the next big thing would be a bunch of illegal migrants doing random acts of kindness thinking it’ll guarantee them a work visa.
A sticky situation all around politically, although there’s no doubt that Manuel was a hero.
November 30th, 2007 at 12:16 am
[quote comment="34636"]
A sticky situation all around politically, although there’s no doubt that Manuel was a hero.[/quote]
Very true and I dont want to detract from that, because he is a hero and he did a noble thing. Neither am I saying he does not deserve citizenship or anything like that (BTW im not American). I think im just trying to look at the issue from a broader perspective.
November 30th, 2007 at 1:29 am
[quote comment="34635"][quote comment="34631"]I hate to burst your little bubble, but their country also has people (just trying to feed their families) who shouldn’t be in other people’s countries. I guess we’re all just human.[/quote]
Right, so what do you suggest? we abandon all laws surrounding immigration? good idea im sure it will do wonders for the economy and the nation as a whole when half a billion people from around the globe suddenly swarm into it.[/quote]
No, not at all. But I don’t think he should be treated as a criminal, that’s all. And, perhaps, because he’s shown that he is a man of compassion and caring, he could be treated as such?
November 30th, 2007 at 6:33 am
The issue with illegal imigration and undocumented workers isn’t a question of whether they are good people or bad or a matter of racism, its a matter of economics and fairness. Illegal immigrants enter this country and enjoy the benefits of it without paying into it. I understand why Mexicans want come into this country, I understand that some have very good reason for it, but the fact of the matter is why should American citizens, spending their tax dollars to make a prosperous country for themselves, let foreigners reap the benefits for free?
Is this guy a hero? If the report’s accurate, then yes. But like someone else said, should we just let anyone whose sefless be given a free pass or cut in line ahead of someoe who has actually worked and gone through all of the red tape to immigrate to this country legally?
November 30th, 2007 at 8:06 am
[quote comment="34640"][quote comment="34635"][quote comment="34631"]I hate to burst your little bubble, but their country also has people (just trying to feed their families) who shouldn’t be in other people’s countries. I guess we’re all just human.[/quote]
Right, so what do you suggest? we abandon all laws surrounding immigration? good idea im sure it will do wonders for the economy and the nation as a whole when half a billion people from around the globe suddenly swarm into it.[/quote]
No, not at all. But I don’t think he should be treated as a criminal, that’s all. And, perhaps, because he’s shown that he is a man of compassion and caring, he could be treated as such?[/quote]
While he technically IS a criminal, he wasn’t really treated as such; he was just sent home.
[quote comment="34642"]The issue with illegal imigration and undocumented workers isn’t a question of whether they are good people or bad or a matter of racism, its a matter of economics and fairness. Illegal immigrants enter this country and enjoy the benefits of it without paying into it. I understand why Mexicans want come into this country, I understand that some have very good reason for it, but the fact of the matter is why should American citizens, spending their tax dollars to make a prosperous country for themselves, let foreigners reap the benefits for free?
Is this guy a hero? If the report’s accurate, then yes. But like someone else said, should we just let anyone whose sefless be given a free pass or cut in line ahead of someoe who has actually worked and gone through all of the red tape to immigrate to this country legally?[/quote]
Exactly. And if someone DOES want to sponsor him for a work visa, green card, or citizenship, then that’s great. Just remember that there’s a process, and it should be followed.
November 30th, 2007 at 8:18 am
great post.
November 30th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
1) This man is certainly a hero.
2) This man is a criminal because he (knowingly) broke the law.
But because of the unselfish thing he did which led to the survival of the boy, and Manuel being deported rather than being yet another illegal Mexican immigrant within the U.S. as he would have likely been had he not saved the boy, i believe Manual should have been granted some kind of work visa in reward.
I agree with Dan’s post, except for the fact that i think Manuel is technically a criminal…but one who deserves a break given all the circumstances.
December 1st, 2007 at 11:41 pm
What a selfless act, helping that boy while knowing almost certainly that he’d have his opportunity taken away from him. It speaks volumes about living the kind of life that Christ asked people to follow. It speaks volumes about a society that would prefer its poorer neighbor stayed that way, or for that matter with all its wealth help those poorer within its own boarders. I’m sure most of us are guilty of it, I don’t remember the last time I even offered food to the food bank.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:10 pm
[quote comment="34599"][quote comment="34591"][quote comment="34588"]He did a great thing, but the deportation is no big deal; he’ll just cross back in again, the way all the other deportees do.[/quote]
I feel that to be a very cold hearted response, it is a big deal.
To put this young child before himself and even his own family knowing what the consequences would be… Manuel, in my heart is very courageous and is a true hero.[/quote]
[quote comment="34590"]I think Frozen Tex is missing the point. As are the people who believe Manuel is a criminal.
It is a big deal. And the least that can be done for him is allowing him to remain in the country and getting him a work permit. I think a life is worth at least that.[/quote]
Strictly speaking, he IS a criminal. And it’s not like he’s being sent overseas, just across a border he’s likely crossed more than once. You don’t give the bankrobber a pass just ’cause he swerves his getaway car to avoid hitting a pedestrian.[/quote]
He is a criminal? In legal terms, I suppose he is.
If there was only way to support your family, and that way was to cross a border illegally, in hopes of a job, wouldn’t you do it?
I’m sure it’s easy to say that when your fridge is full, you’ve already done all your christmas shopping, and it’s a good 20 degrees inside your house.
December 3rd, 2007 at 8:17 am
[quote comment="34733"][quote comment="34599"][quote comment="34591"][quote comment="34588"]He did a great thing, but the deportation is no big deal; he’ll just cross back in again, the way all the other deportees do.[/quote]
I feel that to be a very cold hearted response, it is a big deal.
To put this young child before himself and even his own family knowing what the consequences would be… Manuel, in my heart is very courageous and is a true hero.[/quote]
[quote comment="34590"]I think Frozen Tex is missing the point. As are the people who believe Manuel is a criminal.
It is a big deal. And the least that can be done for him is allowing him to remain in the country and getting him a work permit. I think a life is worth at least that.[/quote]
Strictly speaking, he IS a criminal. And it’s not like he’s being sent overseas, just across a border he’s likely crossed more than once. You don’t give the bankrobber a pass just ’cause he swerves his getaway car to avoid hitting a pedestrian.[/quote]
He is a criminal? In legal terms, I suppose he is.
If there was only way to support your family, and that way was to cross a border illegally, in hopes of a job, wouldn’t you do it?
I’m sure it’s easy to say that when your fridge is full, you’ve already done all your christmas shopping, and it’s a good 20 degrees inside your house.[/quote]
Maybe all these people flooding across the border into the US, should instead do something about the deplorable conditions in their own country (the very reasons they feel the need to leave in the first place). And keep in mind that while the Mexican government wails about respecting the illegals in the US, they themselves are far stricter and harsher when it comes to people coming across their own southern border…