Eduardo (Eddie) Canales was a union activist and defender of migrants' rights who died last July 30 at the age of 76, victim of pancreatic cancer. The son of migrant farmworkers, he grew up in a border town in Texas and had a childhood marked by poverty. He worked in several manual jobs from an early age, such as on farms and factories. After attending the University of Houston, Eddie became involved in political activism, participating in movements such as MAYO and the United La Raza Party. Throughout his life, he has served in various roles in social and economic justice movements, organizing workers and fighting for rights in several U.S. states, including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming. His work ranged from labor justice to the fight against police brutality.

Canales founded the South Texas Human Rights Center in 2013, a nonprofit focused on preventing migrant deaths at the southern border of the United States.

Motivated by a deep love for humanity and righteous anger at a flawed immigration system, Canales spent his final years installing barrels of water along the border to assist migrants facing the dangerous and often deadly crossing of the desert. His dedication to humanitarian work is highlighted in the documentary "Missing in Brooks County," which focuses on his efforts to bring water to the desert and help identify human remains found in the region.

Canales was also an active union organizer, dedicating his career to strengthening workers in various organizations, such as the United Farm Workers and the Service Employees International Union. His transition from union work to advocating for migrants was natural, as both fields involved developing connections and fighting for justice.

His colleague and friend, Nancy Vera, shares the pain of his loss, remembering him as a tireless person, driven by love and a "cold rage" against injustices. Vera points out that Canales was known for his energy and ability to mobilize others around his causes.

Even after his death, the hope is that Canales' work will continue to perpetuate his fight for justice and dignity for migrants. His life and legacy leave a lasting impact on the community of South Texas and beyond.

Sources:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/eddie-canales-obituary-1.7293295

https://nnirr.org/about-us/board-of-directors/