On Tuesday, February 11, a series of simultaneous raids took place in different Mapuche Lof (community) in Chubut. From the Caño Lof we want to express what happened on Tuesday, January 11 in our lof. That day, at 7:30 in the morning, more than 20 hooded officers, armed with long weapons, burst into the home of Virginio Caño, 78 years old, and Gladys Millánes, 73 years old.
According to the order that could later be read, the raids sought cell phones, pendrives, computers, books, Molotov cocktails, and incendiary accelerants. The Caño family claims that these actions are orchestrated by the government to criminalize them, imprison them, and take their lands. Throughout six generations, they had never lived in a similar situation, feeling violated and unjustly persecuted.
During 2021, the lof was affected by fires that impacted the region, actively fighting against the blaze. Now they are facing false accusations that they consider unfounded. They express their concern that racism may influence the decisions of the authorities and society in general. In addition, they show solidarity with other lof and individuals who have also been raided.
Ignacio Torres, the governor, and the judiciary are pointed out for continuing to harass, stigmatize, and persecute the Mapuche Tehuelche communities. The entry of the security forces was violent, without showing the search warrant and deploying aggressive actions. Family members were forced to come out semi-naked, generating fear and distress at home.
The Caño community emphasizes that they have no relation with certain mentioned organizations and denounce the illegality of certain actions during the raid. Gladys, who is hypertensive, went into shock during the situation, and despite showing signs of distress, calling an ambulance was not allowed. Ultimately, the seized items were not related to the accusations.
In the midst of the raid, the lack of concern for the physical integrity of the elderly generates worry in the community. The order was limited to the taking of fingerprints and DNA, but actions were carried out that were not contemplated in it. The authorities justified the raids as part of an investigation into forest fires in the region.
