A group of Aztec dancers filed a lawsuit after the confiscation of feathers from their traditional costumes while crossing the border in the San Ysidro area of San Diego.
They allege that they were treated as criminals by confiscating the materials that are part of their spiritual ceremonies. They also consider it a violation of their constitutional rights to freely practice religion.
The event occurred in March of this year, when Ruby Marek and other relatives were crossing the border. Agents from the Department of Fish and Wildlife seized more than 1,500 feathers that, they say, are part of their cultural and religious practices.
“One of the things the community likes is our feathers and suits,” Marek said.
“It’s the way they try to create awareness that we have to feel proud, this is a country of immigrants and they want to clip our wings.”
According to documents from the federal agency, part of the plumage was in violation of the laws because they are protected and endangered birds.
“I understand that there are endangered birds,” Marek said. “We were not carrying, because we did not carry something harmful to the animal.”
But the group assures that the feathers are treasures of several generations and they are only collected from dead animals or when birds change plumage.
Now they ask for millionaire compensation for the incident
“There are 4 clients. Two live in Mexico and two live here,” said lawyer Jaime Gutiérrez. “We are asking for $1 million for each person for violating their rights to practice their religion.”
The dancers were also fined. But his lawyer assures that, just as they protect the rights of native indigenous people, they should protect the rights of this group of Mexican indigenous traditions.
“All we do is express tradition in an artistic and creative way,” Marek said. “I would like to have the right to demonstrate my culture and religion without being treated as a criminal.”
The group also teaches young people and children these dances for free.
According to the laws, in some cases, it is necessary to obtain a permit to have bird feathers. In this situation, it is unknown if the dance group needed a specific permit.
Telemundo 52 contacted the Department of Fish and Wildlife but indicated that they would not comment at this time.
