State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh has added his voice to the growing opposition to a border fence in Marfa, Texas. 

The El Paso democrat's remarks were read out a news conference organized by border wall critics. He singled out Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff for criticism and pointed out that many people around the world are calling the border fence “muro de odio” - the wall of hatred.  

Shapleigh said the push for border walls are “ugly, mean reminders of the racist elements behind much of the immigration debate that have earned America a measure of ill will around the world that will take years to repair.”

Shapleigh said that to put a 20-foot wall in Marfa would “scar one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.”

“Already, in churches and homes from Chihuahua to Buenos Aires, Chertoff’s walls are called ‘muros de odio’ symbols of a new hatred for which America is now known,” Shapleigh said.

“What we should really hear is the tragic and harmful impact to America, as a symbol of freedom, that walls will no doubt deliver, and how long it will take for our great nation and democracy to repair the ill will that walls have engendered around the world.”

Shapleigh said that in a year’s time, America would have a new president he hoped would provide new leadership.

“Let us fight these walls of hatred until new leadership moves us once again to be the beacon of hope to the world,” Shapleigh said.

“Let us make the case for safer, faster ports to move people and products in a 21st Century world. And most of all let us work together, strengthened by the proud legacy of Franklin Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy to reach out to our neighbors, family, and friends in all the Americas to build lasting bridges of friendship, safety and prosperity, not walls of hatred and division.”