Local veteran advocate seeks collaborators to bring 'Bring Them Home' documentary to Laredo

Maxine RLES, speaking for Common Defense, asked veterans organizations at the March 10 Laredo veterans committee meeting to help host a free screening of the documentary Bring Them Home on March 31. The film, she said, documents the experiences of U.S. veterans who were deported despite having served their country.

"Some of these veterans are coming to Laredo so that you guys can hear their story," Maxine RLES said, describing cases in which veterans who were promised citizenship after service later faced deportation. She said organizers plan a screening followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A, and that sponsorships will cover venue fees so the event is free to attendees.

Committee members and attendees asked logistical questions about times, venue and food. Organizers said the program will run roughly 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and include a panel and Q&A; final flyer and the precise auditorium location were pending confirmation. The presenter said outreach materials would be finalized by Friday and that she would provide the flyer to the committee contact, Marshall Himenez.

Several committee members suggested linking veterans to existing services during the event. A committee attendee noted the VA’s foreign medical service and local veterans court as possible resources for people who attend and need follow‑up care. Gabriel Lopez, participating online, praised the effort and said the issue has been evident in the community for years.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the request; organizers said they would follow up with veteran groups and finalize logistics before the March 31 showing.