Meeting Nuggets
It Takes a Village - June 15, 2021
The African proverb, “It Takes a Village,” is often quoted to mean that “an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.”And so it is with Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans in their border work for asylum seekers.
When it comes to boots-on-the-ground activities like providing food, water, clothing, medical assistance and shelter, that is when the village really comes to life.
“What can we do to help?” volunteers ask. “What do you need?” The answers are specific and varied. “We need flip-flops.” Most immigrants have walked hundreds of miles and their feet are blistered. They cannot fit their bandaged feet back into their shoes.
We need water. We never have enough water. We need blankets, coloring books for kids, medical supplies. We need taxi or bus fare to get folks safely from the port of entry drop-offs to Kino Border Initiative where they can be fed, hydrated, shower and make arrangements for transport to Casa Alitas shelter in Tucson from which they will go to their sponsors.
Yes, the government is doing what it can, but the wheels of justice and change grind slowly. Lawmakers are working on policy, looking at root causes. But it is the village that is doing the work in the meantime. It is the humanitarian groups like No More Deaths, The Florence Project, Justice for Our Neighbors, Humane Borders, the Tucson and Green Valley Samaritans, the Red Cross, the shelter systems in Arizona, Texas and Mexico that are doing the village work. They are bandaging feet, providing food and water, a safe haven to rest, coloring books and crayons for children and transportation to shelters and family. The most important gift the village provides is respect, acceptance, the offering of dignity by a welcoming smile and listening ear.
Like most efforts of networking, for the village to work, it takes good relationships. Greg Mortenson, inspired by impoverished mountain villagers in Pakistan, wrote a book in 1993 entitled “Three Cups of Tea.” His premise was that before you try to rectify any situation, before you jump in with your directives and solutions, you first sit down and share a cup of tea. Then the work begins.
Indeed it does take a village. Whether it’s flip flops, taxi fare, a pot of beans and rice or a simple welcoming smile, we, the village, come to the fray and offer what we can. “They” are not coming to save us. “We” are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the village.
- Gail
When it comes to boots-on-the-ground activities like providing food, water, clothing, medical assistance and shelter, that is when the village really comes to life.
“What can we do to help?” volunteers ask. “What do you need?” The answers are specific and varied. “We need flip-flops.” Most immigrants have walked hundreds of miles and their feet are blistered. They cannot fit their bandaged feet back into their shoes.
We need water. We never have enough water. We need blankets, coloring books for kids, medical supplies. We need taxi or bus fare to get folks safely from the port of entry drop-offs to Kino Border Initiative where they can be fed, hydrated, shower and make arrangements for transport to Casa Alitas shelter in Tucson from which they will go to their sponsors.
Yes, the government is doing what it can, but the wheels of justice and change grind slowly. Lawmakers are working on policy, looking at root causes. But it is the village that is doing the work in the meantime. It is the humanitarian groups like No More Deaths, The Florence Project, Justice for Our Neighbors, Humane Borders, the Tucson and Green Valley Samaritans, the Red Cross, the shelter systems in Arizona, Texas and Mexico that are doing the village work. They are bandaging feet, providing food and water, a safe haven to rest, coloring books and crayons for children and transportation to shelters and family. The most important gift the village provides is respect, acceptance, the offering of dignity by a welcoming smile and listening ear.
Like most efforts of networking, for the village to work, it takes good relationships. Greg Mortenson, inspired by impoverished mountain villagers in Pakistan, wrote a book in 1993 entitled “Three Cups of Tea.” His premise was that before you try to rectify any situation, before you jump in with your directives and solutions, you first sit down and share a cup of tea. Then the work begins.
Indeed it does take a village. Whether it’s flip flops, taxi fare, a pot of beans and rice or a simple welcoming smile, we, the village, come to the fray and offer what we can. “They” are not coming to save us. “We” are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the village.
- Gail
Bigger Scope, Same Mission - May 31, 2021
I was particularly taken today with the realization of how much wider the range of our activities is today than when Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans began 16 years ago. It's not just searches and water drops, but monitoring the activities of the court, assisting at shelters in Nogales, serving those who have been expelled back to Mexico, and in Tucson, where others are preparing for the next step of going across the country to sponsors to await their asylum court date. Yet our mission holds true: To save lives and relieve suffering in the Arizona Borderlands. It's the challenge of finding appropriate ways of putting a human face on the issues of immigration.
Today we heard about a conversation with a Border Patrol agent who thanked us for putting water out, saying we were saving lives and that it's the driest he's ever seen in 15 years. Those out on searches have been having more encounters with migrants than we have for several years, both those wanting to be found by Border Patrol and those who've made it across the border and still hope to make it somewhere in the country where they have family or the possibility of work.
- Sandra
Today we heard about a conversation with a Border Patrol agent who thanked us for putting water out, saying we were saving lives and that it's the driest he's ever seen in 15 years. Those out on searches have been having more encounters with migrants than we have for several years, both those wanting to be found by Border Patrol and those who've made it across the border and still hope to make it somewhere in the country where they have family or the possibility of work.
- Sandra
Two Vignettes Laced with Joy - May 17, 2021
Tricia, a Samaritan volunteer from Montana, told of spending a few days with the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Douglas/Agua Prieta. They rose before 2 am each morning, crossed the border and served breakfast to 50 to 70 newly deported migrants before the sun rose. Dropped off in the dark, they found warm coffee, warm food and warm smiles and welcome.
Rita, a volunteer doing transportation for asylum seekers traveling to their sponsors, told of taking folks to the Tucson International Airport. She has built relationships to where she and her colleagues get passes so they can accompany their families clear to the departure gates. She said the children were so excited at the prospect of flying in an airplane that they could not possibly sit still.
- Laurie
Rita, a volunteer doing transportation for asylum seekers traveling to their sponsors, told of taking folks to the Tucson International Airport. She has built relationships to where she and her colleagues get passes so they can accompany their families clear to the departure gates. She said the children were so excited at the prospect of flying in an airplane that they could not possibly sit still.
- Laurie
Some Things Never Change - May 3, 2021
Cartels follow the money and thus the desperate people heading north to find safety and a decent future. As the divided U.S. government wrestles with how to write a decent immigration policy, migrant numbers increase—drawing the cartels to border cities such as Nogales, Sonora. There, cartel scouts accost the weary migrants walking from the DeConcini port to the Mariposa port—where El Comedor waits with food and understanding. Some things never change.
- Judith
- Judith
A Better Purpose for All that Gold? - April 19, 2021
I watched this morning at the Sam’s meeting as Laurie reported on her Search along with Jennifer. They followed the border wall construction road east from Sasabe some 18 miles, about half-way to Nogales. They drove until they were pretty sure the end was in sight. After turning around, a Border Patrol agent directed them north to a connector road that would eventually go back to Tres Bellotas Road and Arivaca. The border wall road runs along the 30-foot bollard fence put in place by Southwest Valley Constructors and other contractors who value money over environment and ethics. They saw many washes filled in with dirt and sand. The road got progressively steeper, both up and down. In fact, Jennifer was behind Laurie in the Zoom frame doing vertical pantomimes with her hands. There was one rocky mountain where the contractors clearly gave up and went around. However, they still gashed and bulldozed up as far as they could.
I took to Google Earth to see if I could find the spots that Jennifer said were the steepest she had ever been up even in 4WD. As you zoom in, a wide straight gash cuts across the desert on what looks to be just over the Mexican side of the line (have we taken a few more meters?). Soon after what I thought must be the 45-50 degree hill the gash stops and several hills, gullies and arroyos start that were spared the dynamite that blasted other pristine and certain sacred areas. This year has been a particularly dangerous one in the desert for those fleeing horrific conditions in their own countries. Are we driving them further into the wilderness with this fence? Are we compounding despair? Are we encouraging evil? And all that gold. What could we do with all that gold?
- Katrina
I took to Google Earth to see if I could find the spots that Jennifer said were the steepest she had ever been up even in 4WD. As you zoom in, a wide straight gash cuts across the desert on what looks to be just over the Mexican side of the line (have we taken a few more meters?). Soon after what I thought must be the 45-50 degree hill the gash stops and several hills, gullies and arroyos start that were spared the dynamite that blasted other pristine and certain sacred areas. This year has been a particularly dangerous one in the desert for those fleeing horrific conditions in their own countries. Are we driving them further into the wilderness with this fence? Are we compounding despair? Are we encouraging evil? And all that gold. What could we do with all that gold?
- Katrina
Justice for All - April 5, 2021
Prominent leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr., said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” King supported the practice of resisting laws that were unjust.
With all the talk these days about “rights” and “freedoms,” it is prudent for Samaritans and all humanitarian folks to ask the question, “What is ‘justice for all’?
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that every person has the right to counsel. This means that a defendant in all criminal prosecutions has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney during trial. So if you are accused of shoplifting at Walmart, you are entitled to counsel. But if you are undocumented and have lived and worked in Pima County for decades and are stopped for a broken taillight, you are not guaranteed the right to counsel in immigration court proceedings.
This is why Tucson attorney Margo Cowan is circulating the “Justice for All” petition to ask for community support for a 2022 ballot initiative that gives Pima County residents facing detention or deportation access to a public defender. The initiative would extend the right to a public defender to all immigration cases in Pima County. Last year almost 24,000 cases were processed through Tucson Immigration Court, of which 98% of those had no lawyer to represent them.
The petition requires 58,000 valid Pima County resident signatures. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, you can help by getting petitions circulated and signed. For more information or if you want to give financial support to the campaign, go to https://www.pimacountyjusticeforall.org. Checks may also be written and mailed to Pima County Justice for All, PO Box 40956, Tucson, AZ 85717. A petition signing drive will be held in Green Valley, May 23, 2021 from 10-2 at Continental Plaza.
“No one should have to go to court alone,” says Cowan. Let us walk the talk of Martin Luther King Jr. and not forget; “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
- Gail
With all the talk these days about “rights” and “freedoms,” it is prudent for Samaritans and all humanitarian folks to ask the question, “What is ‘justice for all’?
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees that every person has the right to counsel. This means that a defendant in all criminal prosecutions has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney during trial. So if you are accused of shoplifting at Walmart, you are entitled to counsel. But if you are undocumented and have lived and worked in Pima County for decades and are stopped for a broken taillight, you are not guaranteed the right to counsel in immigration court proceedings.
This is why Tucson attorney Margo Cowan is circulating the “Justice for All” petition to ask for community support for a 2022 ballot initiative that gives Pima County residents facing detention or deportation access to a public defender. The initiative would extend the right to a public defender to all immigration cases in Pima County. Last year almost 24,000 cases were processed through Tucson Immigration Court, of which 98% of those had no lawyer to represent them.
The petition requires 58,000 valid Pima County resident signatures. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, you can help by getting petitions circulated and signed. For more information or if you want to give financial support to the campaign, go to https://www.pimacountyjusticeforall.org. Checks may also be written and mailed to Pima County Justice for All, PO Box 40956, Tucson, AZ 85717. A petition signing drive will be held in Green Valley, May 23, 2021 from 10-2 at Continental Plaza.
“No one should have to go to court alone,” says Cowan. Let us walk the talk of Martin Luther King Jr. and not forget; “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
- Gail
Keep an Eye on our Tucson Sector - March 22, 2021
Reports from everyone at today's Zoom meeting--those who do searches, water drops, shelters in Nogales, Casa Alitas and The Inn shelters in Tucson, Ajo Samaritans--all confirm that crossing activity is increasing in the Tucson Sector (262 miles of border).
Some are those seeking asylum, who have been or are now finally being processed, but are then left stranded in Yuma, Sasabe, or Nogales. They need transportation to Tucson where humanitarian groups are providing food, shelter and assistance in making arrangements to travel to their destinations across the country. Others are finding ways to cross elsewhere, in desperation after waiting many long months in Mexico to even make their credible fear claims. Others are continuing to come from Central America, expecting a more hospitable welcome but are being turned back because the system is overloaded.
The meeting ended with a reminder that while many of the current problems are the result of Trump administration policies (and we must counter the intense political spin we are seeing), we must keep up pressure on the Biden administration and continue to work for congressional action to resolve the issues.
- Sandra
Some are those seeking asylum, who have been or are now finally being processed, but are then left stranded in Yuma, Sasabe, or Nogales. They need transportation to Tucson where humanitarian groups are providing food, shelter and assistance in making arrangements to travel to their destinations across the country. Others are finding ways to cross elsewhere, in desperation after waiting many long months in Mexico to even make their credible fear claims. Others are continuing to come from Central America, expecting a more hospitable welcome but are being turned back because the system is overloaded.
The meeting ended with a reminder that while many of the current problems are the result of Trump administration policies (and we must counter the intense political spin we are seeing), we must keep up pressure on the Biden administration and continue to work for congressional action to resolve the issues.
- Sandra
Help is on the Way for MPP Folks - February 22, 2021
At the Samaritan meeting this morning we thought of the 25,000 people who have been stranded along the U.S./Mexico border—sometimes up to 2 years—waiting in the cruelly named Migrant Protection Program or MPP. The Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans along with hundreds of other humanitarian organizations and churches along the border are gearing up to help these folks and many more who will come.
- Katrina
- Katrina
Justice for All Campaign - February 22, 2021
Justice for All is a citizen’s initiative that will be put on the ballot in 2022. It aims to provide legal counsel for migrants in immigration courts out of the County Public Defender’s Office. Attorney Margo Cowan is leading the drive to get the required 90,000 signatures. At this time, the right to legal representation is only guaranteed for those in criminal court. People in civil court (i.e. immigration) must fend for themselves.
The Good Shepherd UCC will be holding another Petition Signing Event on March 13th from 9 am to 1 pm. You must be a Pima County resident to sign. If you signed last year's petition, you will need to sign this new one. If you have already signed this year's, you can pick up signs and/or a petition to recruit others. T-shirts, bags and masks are for sale.
Donations toward the campaign's expenses are most welcome at www.pimacountyjusticeforall.org. Or arrange to have Margo speak to your church or club to inform others of the importance of this campaign.
- Katrina
The Good Shepherd UCC will be holding another Petition Signing Event on March 13th from 9 am to 1 pm. You must be a Pima County resident to sign. If you signed last year's petition, you will need to sign this new one. If you have already signed this year's, you can pick up signs and/or a petition to recruit others. T-shirts, bags and masks are for sale.
Donations toward the campaign's expenses are most welcome at www.pimacountyjusticeforall.org. Or arrange to have Margo speak to your church or club to inform others of the importance of this campaign.
- Katrina
A Jacket Left Behind - February 8, 2021
Yes, there is a new administration in Washington DC, with promise for immigration law reform at last. Numbers of asylum seekers increase even now, renewing challenges to humanitarian aid groups like the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans.
But, echoes of migrant struggles remain in our desert, such as a jacket caught on the wall’s barbed wire where a traveler had slipped out after miraculously crossing over, heading north to the future.
- Judith
But, echoes of migrant struggles remain in our desert, such as a jacket caught on the wall’s barbed wire where a traveler had slipped out after miraculously crossing over, heading north to the future.
- Judith
Where Has Some of the Water Gone? - January 25, 2021
It was striking to receive the report from those who regularly take water out. They are able to make a judgment as to whether there had been legitimate use of the water, or that the jugs had been damaged by animals, or that there was intentional vandalism. The gallon jugs are left in plastic crates or wooden crates with secured lids. We saw pictures of wooden crates that looked like someone had taken a sledge hammer to them. Sometimes they appear to have been stolen. There is no easy way to address the vandalism or why they might have been stolen.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Two Take Aways from Our Meeting - January 11, 2021
Strategies for Changing Hearts and Minds
As we were finishing our regular business this morning, we took a few minutes to talk about the desecration of our Capitol last Wednesday. How could we talk to those who believe the lies proliferated over the past five plus years? Some of these folks are our own family and friends. Past activism and years of of driving the back roads of Pima and Santa Cruz Counties AZ with numerous encounters with Border Patrol and local militia has given some insight into strategies for changing hearts and minds.
This Land is Your Land
Randy referenced a rarely sung verse of Woody Guthrie’s song, "This Land is Your Land."
It goes...
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said 'No Trespassing'.
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
We were discussing the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans’ primary purpose of helping to prevent the deaths of migrants/refugees/asylum seekers who have been funneled to the wilder and more remote stretches of the Arizona-Mexico border. While we search the back roads in marked vehicles, we see a lot that US Citizens passing through on the Interstate won’t ever see—but they should. We are seeing more and more roads bulldozed through our beautiful desert and riparian areas to ‘catch’ people fleeing poverty and oppression. We find more locked gates preventing access to public spaces and, of course, we see the ‘progress’ of more 30 foot bollard fence adorned with razor wire.
We need more people to be witnesses, to be watchers.
- Katrina
As we were finishing our regular business this morning, we took a few minutes to talk about the desecration of our Capitol last Wednesday. How could we talk to those who believe the lies proliferated over the past five plus years? Some of these folks are our own family and friends. Past activism and years of of driving the back roads of Pima and Santa Cruz Counties AZ with numerous encounters with Border Patrol and local militia has given some insight into strategies for changing hearts and minds.
- Keep things low key. Use a soft voice.
- Use ‘I messages’ rather than accusations.
- Repeat back to the speaker what she has said to show you are listening.
- Check for the exit when entering possibly threatening situations.
- BUT, channel Laurie Jurs and don’t be afraid to engage.
This Land is Your Land
Randy referenced a rarely sung verse of Woody Guthrie’s song, "This Land is Your Land."
It goes...
As I went walking I saw a sign there
And on the sign it said 'No Trespassing'.
But on the other side it didn’t say nothing,
That side was made for you and me.
We were discussing the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans’ primary purpose of helping to prevent the deaths of migrants/refugees/asylum seekers who have been funneled to the wilder and more remote stretches of the Arizona-Mexico border. While we search the back roads in marked vehicles, we see a lot that US Citizens passing through on the Interstate won’t ever see—but they should. We are seeing more and more roads bulldozed through our beautiful desert and riparian areas to ‘catch’ people fleeing poverty and oppression. We find more locked gates preventing access to public spaces and, of course, we see the ‘progress’ of more 30 foot bollard fence adorned with razor wire.
We need more people to be witnesses, to be watchers.
- Katrina
A Tribute to Peg Bowden - December 28, 2020
At the last Samaritan meeting of the year, on the last Monday of 2020, a year none of us can forget, in addition to our usual moment of silence for migrants, we take another moment of silence to remember our fellow Samaritan, Peg Bowden who died this week a few days after Christmas.
It seems the best and the brightest leave us too soon. And though our Samaritan mission is to “save lives and relieve suffering in the Arizona Borderlands,” we were helpless to save one of our own, dear Peg.
As I often do, I turn to the words of poet Mary Oliver for comfort:
An excerpt from
When Death Comes
Mary Oliver
....I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility.
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth...
* * * *
There’s an old African proverb that says, “When a person dies, a library is lost.”
We Samaritans are mourning the loss of that library of Peg, her wisdom and compassion. We are mourning the loss of our friend who was so many things—a great musician, writer, artist, activist and advocate for our migrant brothers and sisters. We celebrate her life, one she lived with exuberance and passion. I think Peg would agree with Mary Oliver’s closing lines of her poem:
When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and
real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this
world.
Adios amiga, Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.
- Gail
It seems the best and the brightest leave us too soon. And though our Samaritan mission is to “save lives and relieve suffering in the Arizona Borderlands,” we were helpless to save one of our own, dear Peg.
As I often do, I turn to the words of poet Mary Oliver for comfort:
An excerpt from
When Death Comes
Mary Oliver
....I look upon everything
as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,
and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility.
and I think of each life as a flower, as common
as a field daisy, and as singular,
and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth...
* * * *
There’s an old African proverb that says, “When a person dies, a library is lost.”
We Samaritans are mourning the loss of that library of Peg, her wisdom and compassion. We are mourning the loss of our friend who was so many things—a great musician, writer, artist, activist and advocate for our migrant brothers and sisters. We celebrate her life, one she lived with exuberance and passion. I think Peg would agree with Mary Oliver’s closing lines of her poem:
When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and
real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up simply having visited this
world.
Adios amiga, Hasta que nos volvamos a encontrar.
- Gail
Doubles Again...Samaritan Ambassadors and Grim News - December 14, 2020
Samaritan Ambassadors
Mile after mile, week after week, year after year, some Samaritans rise early and drive into the desert on Search, the prime mission of their humanitarian aid. Their identified cars carry water, food, clothing and first aid kits for migrants they encounter. They are also ambassadors. On any Search, they might talk to sympathetic or angry Border Patrol agents or ranchers; last week drivers gladly shared Samaritan protocols with an unnerved Forest Service employee who had just met her first migrant needing help.
- Judith
Grim News
It was grim news to hear this morning. New Trump administration regulations and procedures will take effect January 11. They will change the categories of legitimate fear claims. For example, the majority of those seeking to receive a hearing will be immediately turned away and even those in the country at present awaiting a hearing will be diverted to new asylum courts where Trump appointed judges will reject their claims based on the new regulations.
- Sandra
Mile after mile, week after week, year after year, some Samaritans rise early and drive into the desert on Search, the prime mission of their humanitarian aid. Their identified cars carry water, food, clothing and first aid kits for migrants they encounter. They are also ambassadors. On any Search, they might talk to sympathetic or angry Border Patrol agents or ranchers; last week drivers gladly shared Samaritan protocols with an unnerved Forest Service employee who had just met her first migrant needing help.
- Judith
Grim News
It was grim news to hear this morning. New Trump administration regulations and procedures will take effect January 11. They will change the categories of legitimate fear claims. For example, the majority of those seeking to receive a hearing will be immediately turned away and even those in the country at present awaiting a hearing will be diverted to new asylum courts where Trump appointed judges will reject their claims based on the new regulations.
- Sandra
Double Nuggets...South Koreans and a Horseshoe - November 16, 2020
South Koreans
We receive frequent inquiries from international journalists. Recently Pastor Randy Mayer took a reporter from the Korean Broadcasting System, which is public television in South Korea, to Nogales, Arizona to experience our border world. They visited the Wall. They visited with the Korean shop owners on Morley Avenue. They witnessed the apprehension of a border crosser in broad daylight in the shopping district. We are glad to have international interest in documenting our border situation.
A Horseshoe
One of our members on Search found a backpack with a horseshoe in it. [See the photo here.] May that person have all the Good Luck in the world.
- Laurie
We receive frequent inquiries from international journalists. Recently Pastor Randy Mayer took a reporter from the Korean Broadcasting System, which is public television in South Korea, to Nogales, Arizona to experience our border world. They visited the Wall. They visited with the Korean shop owners on Morley Avenue. They witnessed the apprehension of a border crosser in broad daylight in the shopping district. We are glad to have international interest in documenting our border situation.
A Horseshoe
One of our members on Search found a backpack with a horseshoe in it. [See the photo here.] May that person have all the Good Luck in the world.
- Laurie
Make Good Trouble - November 2, 2020
At the Samaritan meeting of November 2, one day before what some call the most important election of our lifetime, Pastor Randy Mayer ended the meeting with the words made famous by divil rights leader John Robert Lewis, “Go out and make good trouble.”
At the meeting, we Samaritans had already heard the Search and Water Drop reports, the news on shelters or lack of; the need for blankets and coats for deported migrants dropped off at Sasabe, Sonora in below freezing temperatures. We’d already heard about the Samaritan donation of $3,000 to buy heater units for shelters in Mexico. We’d heard that the Red Cross demobilized their group with border colleagues because wildfires and floods are taking priority. We’d heard about the unending destruction of the desert due to the building of the border wall and the suffering of asylum seekers fleeing violence and poverty only to be turned back at the US border.
John Robert Lewis was the son of a sharecropper growing up in rural Alabama. He said as a little boy he was in constant fear because of signs that said “no colored boys, no colored girls.” His parents and grandparents used to tell him “don’t get in trouble.” Nevertheless, as a young man he was inspired to activism by the Montgomery Bus Boycott that started when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
The Library of Congress opened an extensive exhibition, “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words,” where the Congressman Lewis spoke. “Rosa Parks inspired us to get in trouble. And I’ve been getting in trouble ever since,” he said. “She inspired us to find a way, to get in the way, to get in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble.” He was able to meet and work with Rosa Parks who taught him about the philosophy and discipline of non-violence. “She kept on saying to each one of us, you too can do something.” “And for people if you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, do something. We cannot afford to be quiet.”
Good trouble makers—that’s what Samaritans are. As we mark time in this moment of unknowing, waiting to exhale, we know that whatever the results of the election, we go on, caring for the marginalized, offering humanitarian aid, doing what we can to make good trouble.
-Gail
At the meeting, we Samaritans had already heard the Search and Water Drop reports, the news on shelters or lack of; the need for blankets and coats for deported migrants dropped off at Sasabe, Sonora in below freezing temperatures. We’d already heard about the Samaritan donation of $3,000 to buy heater units for shelters in Mexico. We’d heard that the Red Cross demobilized their group with border colleagues because wildfires and floods are taking priority. We’d heard about the unending destruction of the desert due to the building of the border wall and the suffering of asylum seekers fleeing violence and poverty only to be turned back at the US border.
John Robert Lewis was the son of a sharecropper growing up in rural Alabama. He said as a little boy he was in constant fear because of signs that said “no colored boys, no colored girls.” His parents and grandparents used to tell him “don’t get in trouble.” Nevertheless, as a young man he was inspired to activism by the Montgomery Bus Boycott that started when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
The Library of Congress opened an extensive exhibition, “Rosa Parks: In Her Own Words,” where the Congressman Lewis spoke. “Rosa Parks inspired us to get in trouble. And I’ve been getting in trouble ever since,” he said. “She inspired us to find a way, to get in the way, to get in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble.” He was able to meet and work with Rosa Parks who taught him about the philosophy and discipline of non-violence. “She kept on saying to each one of us, you too can do something.” “And for people if you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, do something. We cannot afford to be quiet.”
Good trouble makers—that’s what Samaritans are. As we mark time in this moment of unknowing, waiting to exhale, we know that whatever the results of the election, we go on, caring for the marginalized, offering humanitarian aid, doing what we can to make good trouble.
-Gail
Uncertainty and Change in Our Work - October 19, 2020
In a two week period, our group usually conducts eight Searches and two Water Drops. The latter work yields tangible information such as number of water gallon jugs replaced. The last report included one trip that replaced 19 jugs compared to the other that left 66. The whys and wherefores are neither clear nor certain. The former work, the Searches, can yield less tangible information. For example, one team spoke with a Border Patrol agent who said that the migrants do not walk on trails anymore due to the ground sensors and surveillance technology. The guides scout ahead and direct the groups from landmark to landmark. Adaptability and change are the name of the game.
-Laurie
-Laurie
Inspiration from Afar - October 5, 2021
What a welcome gift to receive inspiration from afar! Groups are coming together post haste to meet the sudden and enormous needs of migrants being deported to Sasabe, Sonora. Over 100 migrants are being dropped off daily to a town with no food, shelter, or hope for basic needs being met. Nor is there public transportation to the south should people choose to go back. Humanitarians and Samaritans from Douglas, Ajo, Arivaca, Tucson, Green Valley and Sahuarita have jumped into action. Immediate needs are water and food to be delivered weekly on a coordinated schedule. What is happening is awful, yet the response is inspiring.
-Tricia Decker in Montana
-Tricia Decker in Montana
Capricious and Inhumane Policies - September 21, 2020
Being a person who wants life to be fair and orderly (unrealistic as that is), my mind reeled with questions after Peter Hirschman, an asylum expert, spoke to us. I am upset with the administration’s capricious and inhumane policy changes.
-Susie
- How can our United States ignore international law and shut the door on asylum seekers?
- What is humane about expelling unaccompanied youth and asylum seekers to dangerous Mexico or to the unsafe home countries they fled?
- Why would detainees be transferred from Florence, AZ detention facility (35% full) to Farmville, VA (57% full), causing a huge COVID-19 outbreak in the Virginia facility?
-Susie
Samaritans Are Prepared - September 7, 2020
We heard of two community sightings of migrants in Green Valley. Humanitarian assistance, per the International Red Cross’ Code of Conduct for Disaster Relief, was rendered. The three young men from Chiapas, Mexico, had not eaten for three days. Yet when they got food and water, they asked the Samaritans if it would be all right if they started to eat.
People spending the summer here were reminded to carry phone numbers of Spanish speakers with them if needed. Additionally, all of us should carry extra water and non-perishable snacks in our vehicles routinely. Samaritans are prepared!
- Laurie
People spending the summer here were reminded to carry phone numbers of Spanish speakers with them if needed. Additionally, all of us should carry extra water and non-perishable snacks in our vehicles routinely. Samaritans are prepared!
- Laurie
The Cavalry Is Not Coming - August 24, 2020
If you attend one of our Samaritan meetings, now held via Zoom, you’ll learn a lot about what Samaritans do. You’ll learn about searches, water drops and protests. About shelters, letter writing campaigns and fellow humanitarian groups.
Despite those worthy actions, our immigration attorney, Tucson’s Margo Cowan, reminds us that now is the time to focus on one thing: getting out the vote. Though there are many ways to do that, time is getting short, with less than 70 days until the November 3 election.
So if we want to see massive immigration reform, we need to vote for an administration that will address that. If we want to end the suffering in our borderlands, and see progressive immigration policy, we need to vote.
Cowan suggests that we need to encourage everyone we meet on a daily basis to do the same. Try engaging five people a day, she says. If we’re uncomfortable with that, she suggests questions. Here are a few to start a conversation:
What do you think about offering humanitarian aid to people without conditions?
What kind of things might make you think about moving your family or sending your children away from home?
What kind of trouble or violence do you think should qualify a person for asylum in our country?
What do you think about the undocumented young adults that were brought over by their parents when they were children?
If we believe in a democracy, a government by the people and that people should be treated equally through a system of representation, we need to vote. If we believe in free elections, then we need to use the greatest tool we have to preserve that democracy. We need to vote.
The cavalry is not coming to save us. We are the cavalry. The choices we make today will not only affect those who come after us, but emerge as the self-portrait of who we are as people of America.
- Gail
Despite those worthy actions, our immigration attorney, Tucson’s Margo Cowan, reminds us that now is the time to focus on one thing: getting out the vote. Though there are many ways to do that, time is getting short, with less than 70 days until the November 3 election.
So if we want to see massive immigration reform, we need to vote for an administration that will address that. If we want to end the suffering in our borderlands, and see progressive immigration policy, we need to vote.
Cowan suggests that we need to encourage everyone we meet on a daily basis to do the same. Try engaging five people a day, she says. If we’re uncomfortable with that, she suggests questions. Here are a few to start a conversation:
What do you think about offering humanitarian aid to people without conditions?
What kind of things might make you think about moving your family or sending your children away from home?
What kind of trouble or violence do you think should qualify a person for asylum in our country?
What do you think about the undocumented young adults that were brought over by their parents when they were children?
If we believe in a democracy, a government by the people and that people should be treated equally through a system of representation, we need to vote. If we believe in free elections, then we need to use the greatest tool we have to preserve that democracy. We need to vote.
The cavalry is not coming to save us. We are the cavalry. The choices we make today will not only affect those who come after us, but emerge as the self-portrait of who we are as people of America.
- Gail
Mules Bringing in Hard Drugs - August 10, 2020
At today's Samaritans meeting we learned that Florida Canyon Research station has had to close temporarily because of increased drug trafficking in the area. Because traffic through the ports of entry has been severely restricted, the drug cartels are back to using human carriers, known as "mules," (often migrants forced to pay their way) to bring in hard drugs. They alternately use routes on the east side of the Santa Rita mountains and Madera Canyon and Florida Canyon. With greater legal access to marijuana in the U.S., the smuggling of hard drugs has increased. The closing of the border actually boosts the cartel involvement.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Recent Changes in Nogales, Sonora - July 27, 2020
Alma Cota de Yanez, Director of FESAC (Border Community Alliance’s non-governmental partner organization in Sonora, Mexico) spoke about recent changes in Nogales, Sonora. She explained how many migrants seeking asylum, that did not have a number for their credible fear interview, left the area. Those that did stuck it out. More migrants are arriving from Cuba, and then securing employment in Nogales. Many migrants hope that if they get a job in Nogales they will be able to stay in Mexico. The opening of schools is uncertain at this time. Some migrants would like to enroll their children in school so they will be able to work. Some maquilas (border factories) are hiring as well as helping migrants.
Alex La Pierre, Program Director of Border Community Alliance (BCA), spoke about the needs of the Food Bank in Nogales. Donations can be made to BCA online or by check; you may designate FESAC either the Food Bank or Nursing Homes.
- Rita
Alex La Pierre, Program Director of Border Community Alliance (BCA), spoke about the needs of the Food Bank in Nogales. Donations can be made to BCA online or by check; you may designate FESAC either the Food Bank or Nursing Homes.
- Rita
More Wooden Water Boxes - July 13, 2020
Mark mentioned meeting Sister Judy in Douglas and crossing the border to Agua Prieta, Sonora. He picked up another 20 wooden boxes at the Migrant Carpentry Workshop. They take wood from used pallets and use it to make furniture for sale, while teaching skills and providing work for migrants. The newest addition to their line is a small folding Adirondack chair. The wood for our boxes comes from pieces that may not be suitable for making furniture.
These wooden boxes prevent animal damage to water bottles much better than the upturned plastic crates, and also prevent degradation from sunlight. Pictured are Victor and Armando of the Migrant Carpentry Workshop and Sr. Judy Bourg of School Sisters of Notre Dame. See some of their furniture in the Photo Gallery.
- Susie
These wooden boxes prevent animal damage to water bottles much better than the upturned plastic crates, and also prevent degradation from sunlight. Pictured are Victor and Armando of the Migrant Carpentry Workshop and Sr. Judy Bourg of School Sisters of Notre Dame. See some of their furniture in the Photo Gallery.
- Susie
Damila is Free! - July 13, 2020
“Damila is free!” This good news spread rapidly among immigrant rights community members. The 26-year-old Cuban had been incarcerated in Eloy for more than a year. She has chronic health issues and feared contracting COVID-19. Attorney Margo Cowan and her team represented her.
I met Damila and her family in a migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico while they were waiting to legally apply for asylum in the United States. She was separated from her family at the border. Damila and I have been corresponding for months.
Her future is still uncertain, but now she will be released on bond and sent to Casa Alitas in Tucson, to be put in quarantine for two weeks before traveling to stay at her aunt’s house in Florida.
- Elisa
I met Damila and her family in a migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico while they were waiting to legally apply for asylum in the United States. She was separated from her family at the border. Damila and I have been corresponding for months.
Her future is still uncertain, but now she will be released on bond and sent to Casa Alitas in Tucson, to be put in quarantine for two weeks before traveling to stay at her aunt’s house in Florida.
- Elisa
Only 20 Minutes a Day - July 13, 2020
Today's meeting highlighted the ways Samaritans continue actively supporting migrants. We mount three searches a week, for 6-7 hours each, covering a wide area. We replace water at numerous locations. Arrests are down, but continuing. People still seek to enter the U.S. in any way possible. Operation Streamline court hearings are on hold, meaning longer incarceration time for detainees. A few are being released from detention. Tucson shelters continue providing a place to rest, have a meal and receive assistance before heading to a relative somewhere across the country. It's difficult for shelters to find volunteers to drive folks to the bus station or airport, but protocols have been developed for social distancing.
Folks living elsewhere in the country reported on the importance of sharing up-to-date information about the border. Groups have few opportunities to hear the real story. One of the most disturbing reports we heard was from the La Palma detention facility in Eloy, where 192 people have the virus and are locked in their cells 23 hours a day, with only 20 minutes daily for either a shower, a phone call or to write a letter.
- Sandra
Folks living elsewhere in the country reported on the importance of sharing up-to-date information about the border. Groups have few opportunities to hear the real story. One of the most disturbing reports we heard was from the La Palma detention facility in Eloy, where 192 people have the virus and are locked in their cells 23 hours a day, with only 20 minutes daily for either a shower, a phone call or to write a letter.
- Sandra
Flood the Desert - June 27, 2020
Fourteen intrepid GVS Samaritans in 8 cars helped Flood the Desert on June 27, 2020 with our presence, with water and with kindness. This event takes place annually as summer temperatures soar. One Samaritan paid tribute at a painted cross marking the spot where an unidentified migrant paid the ultimate price in 2004.
Another pair met an anthropologist at the border wall west of Sasabe. He said construction was temporarily halted due to Tohono O’odham concerns regarding some caves among other issues. How we wish construction could be permanently stopped. See a photo of the construction under Events.
- Laurie
I'll Stand By You - June 15, 2020
We take so much for granted in this white privileged life of ours: food on the table, a safe home to abide in when asked to “stay at home,” stocked cupboards and freezers; air conditioning to cool us in desert heat; a soft place to fall at the end of the day; perhaps a pet to keep us company; money to pay our bills and buy groceries, hot running water to wash our hands a million times a day; toilets that flush; cars that take us where we want to go; healthy bodies that allow us to walk out the door to protest on corners or walk the desert to lift our spirits. Most of us know where our children are at night and if they are safe. Some times our biggest decision of the day is what to watch on Netflix.
As Samaritans, we know that not everyone has this luxury, especially those seeking safety at our borders. In fact, many, many of our brothers and sisters are suffering everyday, every minute for a lack of these things.
I’ve been taking my comfort lately from music, especially music sung by young sweet innocent children who give me hope. Kudos to their choir directors who have managed to instill in them passion, empathy and kindness which they embody through song.
Like Gregg Breinberg, chorus director of PS 22 who has his youthful children sing The Pretenders song, I’ll Stand By You.
Take a listen to the lyrics:
Oh, why you look so sad, the tears are in your eyes,
Come on and come to me now, and don’t be ashamed to cry,
Let me see you through, I’ve seen the dark side too,
When the night falls on you, you don’t know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less.
I’ll stand by you,
I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you,
I’ll stand by you..
When the humanitarian group, People Helping People in the small town of Arivaca, 11 miles north of the Mexico border needs help putting in their first bathroom in eight years so they and their guests can wash their hands, use a toilet and stay safe, we Samaritans offer them money to help build it and say, I’ll stand by you.
When the Unitarian Universalist church in Amado says they are putting in a washer and dryer for migrants to wash their clothes any time of the night or day, we Samaritans donate needed funds for the plumbing and say, I’ll stand by you.
I’ll stand by you.
I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you,
I’ll stand by you.
- Gail
As Samaritans, we know that not everyone has this luxury, especially those seeking safety at our borders. In fact, many, many of our brothers and sisters are suffering everyday, every minute for a lack of these things.
I’ve been taking my comfort lately from music, especially music sung by young sweet innocent children who give me hope. Kudos to their choir directors who have managed to instill in them passion, empathy and kindness which they embody through song.
Like Gregg Breinberg, chorus director of PS 22 who has his youthful children sing The Pretenders song, I’ll Stand By You.
Take a listen to the lyrics:
Oh, why you look so sad, the tears are in your eyes,
Come on and come to me now, and don’t be ashamed to cry,
Let me see you through, I’ve seen the dark side too,
When the night falls on you, you don’t know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less.
I’ll stand by you,
I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you,
I’ll stand by you..
When the humanitarian group, People Helping People in the small town of Arivaca, 11 miles north of the Mexico border needs help putting in their first bathroom in eight years so they and their guests can wash their hands, use a toilet and stay safe, we Samaritans offer them money to help build it and say, I’ll stand by you.
When the Unitarian Universalist church in Amado says they are putting in a washer and dryer for migrants to wash their clothes any time of the night or day, we Samaritans donate needed funds for the plumbing and say, I’ll stand by you.
I’ll stand by you.
I’ll stand by you, won’t let nobody hurt you,
I’ll stand by you.
- Gail
Resistance Is Imperative! - June 1, 2020 |
This past week, during the pandemic, the yearly 75-mile Migrant Trail Walk was held virtually. It was a great success. Every day an email included a short opening video explaining the usual trek for that day, an informative podcast about the border from other sources, and then a late afternoon live Zoom presentation with important local leaders and Samaritans. Virtual walkers "zoomed" in from all over the US, Canada and Mexico. Links to all of those can be found on our GVS website under “Learn More on Immigration.” My hope is that this virtual walk can take place every year, alongside the walkers, for those of us who cannot do it in body. A migrant walk from a past year is shown at the left.
- Barb
I was so happy to be able to experience this 17-year tradition of the Migrant Trail Walk. It was a respectful and eye-opening experience. The reflections, informative podcasts and inspirational speakers calling for a stop to the needless deaths and suffering along the U.S.-Mexico border moved me. You can participate and make your own decisions after experiencing the 2020 Alternative Migrant Trail Walk here. I was led to one conclusion. Resistance is Imperative!
- Susie
- Susie
Bordados and Mantas - May 18, 2020
At our recent zoom meeting, a long-time member told of a project called Artisans Beyond Borders (https://artisansbeyondborders.org) in Nogales, Sonora. Women and girls are embroidering “mantas" (the word replacing “bordados”). The women are asylum seekers, stuck with no good options. Making mantas brings joy, helps pass the time and earns a bit of money. Laurie Jurs holds up the manta she won. The creator of this flowery manta is pictured on the Artisans Beyond Borders home page mentioned above.
"What comes to mind for me when I hold my new manta is the contrast with the ones we began finding in 2006. Twisted in the sand, crumpled in a backpack or hanging in a cholla, we imagined the stories behind them, who made them, who carried them. Now I know who lovingly embroidered this cloth. I know her name and some of her story. I wish a safe and blessed journey for Sandra A. with all my heart."
- Laurie
Appreciation - May 4, 2020
Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans maintain an active presence in the desert, albeit with fewer trips with fewer people, prioritizing personal safety. From the Santa Ritas to the Baboquivaris, along the edge of the Tohono O’Odham Nation, from the border north to Sahuarita, we continue to look for migrants in trouble, criss-crossing rough roads and walking old trails. Along the way, we talk with Border Patrol agents, some of whom express concern about the virus, some of whom suggest spots to leave water jugs. We talk with ranch hands and land owners, sharing current information. And last but not least, while gassing up recently in Green Valley, one of our teams got two hearty "Thank Yous" for our work.
- Laurie
- Laurie
Funding The Forgotten - April 20, 2020
Although some of our traditional activities, searches, water drops, and monitoring Operation Streamline, in particular, are limited, Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans, wherever they are, find ways to support immigrants. From Oregon to Virginia to New York, Samaritans work to relieve suffering in detention centers and with undocumented workers in their own communities.
Some of these immigrants are people providing important services for us all, harvesting crops, working in meat packing plants, and cleaning buildings. But these people will not be entitled to the government stimulus money without being registered with Social Security.
Funds are being set up locally to help provide for them. Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans has an Asylum Fund to assist asylum seekers. No More Deaths has a Bond Fund to help bond people out of detention in Arizona. Check here for local and national groups and organizations that are helping immigrants directly.
- Sandra
Some of these immigrants are people providing important services for us all, harvesting crops, working in meat packing plants, and cleaning buildings. But these people will not be entitled to the government stimulus money without being registered with Social Security.
Funds are being set up locally to help provide for them. Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans has an Asylum Fund to assist asylum seekers. No More Deaths has a Bond Fund to help bond people out of detention in Arizona. Check here for local and national groups and organizations that are helping immigrants directly.
- Sandra
Cool, Clear Water - April 6, 2020
Perhaps you remember the song, Cool Water, which was written by Bob Nolan in 1936 and first recorded by the Sons of the Pioneers in 1941. It is about the narrator and his mule, Dan, as they travel across a bleak desert in search of water but only find mirages.
The lyrics begin:
All day I’ve faced a barren waste
Without the taste of water, cool water
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
And souls that cry for water
Cool, clear water…
Water is vital for all known forms of life. Up to 60% of the human body is water.
This month, we learn of the passing of long time Samaritan Ed Lord, who found his best service to be Water Drops. Randy tells us the story of Ed driving the roughest roads trying to create angles for water drops like flying a tethered weather balloon to indicate caches. We hear the Water Drop statistics for the last five months: 4 routes; 33 caches; 104 gallons legitimately used; 32 vandalized; 290 gallons damaged by animals or decayed; 67 gallons missing, a total of about 473 gallons.
What is the use? You might say. Out of 473 gallons, only 104 gallons used?
That’s when we need to remember the parable of the Starfish Project whose mission is “Wear Hope, Give Hope.”
The parable tells the story of an old man walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that had washed ashore. The man came upon a young boy who was throwing the starfish back into the ocean. Puzzled, the man asked the boy what he was doing. The boy replied, “I’m saving these starfish, Sir.”
The old man said, “Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?”
The boy picked up a starfish, gently tossed it into the sea and said to the man, “I made a difference to that one.”
And so we continue to drop water, to make a difference.
The song ends with…
Dan, can ya see the big, green tree?
Where the water’s runnin’ free
And it’s waitin’ there for you and me?
Water
Cool, clear water
Cool, clear water.
- Gail
The lyrics begin:
All day I’ve faced a barren waste
Without the taste of water, cool water
Old Dan and I with throats burned dry
And souls that cry for water
Cool, clear water…
Water is vital for all known forms of life. Up to 60% of the human body is water.
This month, we learn of the passing of long time Samaritan Ed Lord, who found his best service to be Water Drops. Randy tells us the story of Ed driving the roughest roads trying to create angles for water drops like flying a tethered weather balloon to indicate caches. We hear the Water Drop statistics for the last five months: 4 routes; 33 caches; 104 gallons legitimately used; 32 vandalized; 290 gallons damaged by animals or decayed; 67 gallons missing, a total of about 473 gallons.
What is the use? You might say. Out of 473 gallons, only 104 gallons used?
That’s when we need to remember the parable of the Starfish Project whose mission is “Wear Hope, Give Hope.”
The parable tells the story of an old man walking along a beach covered with thousands of starfish that had washed ashore. The man came upon a young boy who was throwing the starfish back into the ocean. Puzzled, the man asked the boy what he was doing. The boy replied, “I’m saving these starfish, Sir.”
The old man said, “Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?”
The boy picked up a starfish, gently tossed it into the sea and said to the man, “I made a difference to that one.”
And so we continue to drop water, to make a difference.
The song ends with…
Dan, can ya see the big, green tree?
Where the water’s runnin’ free
And it’s waitin’ there for you and me?
Water
Cool, clear water
Cool, clear water.
- Gail
The Children's Docket - March 23, 2020
Tucson Public Defender Margo Cowan joined the GVS Samaritan meeting 03/09/20. While explaining the important new Citizen's Initiative, "Pima County Justice for All," she told a story that shocked the meeting. She recently traveled to Los Angeles to represent a young practicing attorney, a Dreamer, whose deportation case has been re-opened. For reasons unknown, they were assigned to the Children's Docket, where they witnessed processing of unaccompanied, unrepresented, migrant children. As young as three to seven years old, their little legs dangled from the chairs. When asked "What's your name?" some answered, asking the judge what their name was in reply. How prevalent is this? Is it happening in Pima County? What will it take to stop it?
- Treasure
- Treasure
A Stranger At My Door - March 9, 2020
Like Peg Bowden, I experienced "A Stranger At My Door." Thankfully, I had read her book. In fact, it was laying by my door. It was about 9:30 last Saturday night and very dark. The door bell rang. I turned on the entrance light and opened the inside door. I saw a man with a backpack. When he saw me, he said "too much walking." He was clearly exhausted. I asked where he was going. He said Walmart. I said, I can't take you and he said, "I know." I asked if he wanted water. He shook his head and pointed to the puddles. Dumb me. I said "Are you hungry?" He said yes. I went to the fridge and took out a large apple, sliced it in half and grabbed two food bars. I unlocked the door. He was clearly happy about the apple. He started eating it and put the other half in his pocket. He said "Thank you" and I said "God Bless You" as he turned and disappeared into the dark.
I wondered how he picked my door. I said a prayer for his safety. He had a long walk and in the open.
- Treasure
I wondered how he picked my door. I said a prayer for his safety. He had a long walk and in the open.
- Treasure
A New Shelter in Town - February 10, 2020
Lest we forget........migrants all over the world are struggling to find a safe, supportive place to live. Nearby in Nogales, Sonora, 4,000 asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico to await their court dates in El Paso, TX or their first interview at the Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ. A new 600-bed shelter will be opening soon - Casa de Todas las Naciones (House of All Nations). What an appropriate name!
Support for this initiative is being provided by a collaboration of the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. These churches and the Samaritans will be providing financial and volunteer support to remodel the former school and staff this much needed shelter.
There is always more work to be done to ease the lives of others.
- Sue
Support for this initiative is being provided by a collaboration of the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. These churches and the Samaritans will be providing financial and volunteer support to remodel the former school and staff this much needed shelter.
There is always more work to be done to ease the lives of others.
- Sue
Don't Ask, Don't Tell - January 27, 2020
What do we adults do when we come in contact with children? We like to talk to them, engage them, find out their name and maybe even take their picture. That’s not the case at Tucson’s Casa Alitas shelter.
At our recent security training, we volunteers learned, because of safety concerns, to not take photographs of the residents or even of their art work if it contains their full name. And if we have questions, we are to keep them light. Asking shelter residents why they left their country is not our job. Speaking of their trauma puts them back in it. It’s not a place they want to go.
So we learn to keep it light, take no photographs, and be mindful that each and every one of the residents at the shelter have suffered trauma on their journeys. We offer support and comfort wherever we can. Sometimes that comfort is as simple as eye contact, a hand on their shoulder, a greeting in their language or exclaiming over amazing art work created by tiny little fingers.
- Gail
At our recent security training, we volunteers learned, because of safety concerns, to not take photographs of the residents or even of their art work if it contains their full name. And if we have questions, we are to keep them light. Asking shelter residents why they left their country is not our job. Speaking of their trauma puts them back in it. It’s not a place they want to go.
So we learn to keep it light, take no photographs, and be mindful that each and every one of the residents at the shelter have suffered trauma on their journeys. We offer support and comfort wherever we can. Sometimes that comfort is as simple as eye contact, a hand on their shoulder, a greeting in their language or exclaiming over amazing art work created by tiny little fingers.
- Gail
Drones Scouting South of the Border - January 13, 2020
Those on Samaritan desert searches take an opportunity to talk to Border Patrol agents whenever they can. We learned at this morning's meeting that the Border Patrol is using drones to track groups of people still in Mexico who may be intending to cross into the United States. They can then be ready to apprehend them as soon as they cross.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Migrants' Trek Through Mexico Is Bittersweet - December 30, 2019
Rev. Delle McCormick visited the meeting to tell of her journey to southern Mexico shelters to understand the complicated and often tragic dynamics faced by migrants as they come north. The surprising and hopeful news was how organized the Mexican shelters are in their assistance of asylum seekers. The work is mainly churches and volunteers, not the government. But migrants are allowed to apply for a one year status as a refugee in Mexico. And they are given a map of all the participating shelters! The sad development is that only about 5% will actually complete the journey to enter the U.S. to seek asylum.
- Barb
- Barb
Over 1200 Families Waiting in Nogales - December 16, 2019
At our Samaritans meeting on December 16, 2019, we were reminded again of the plight of asylum seekers in Nogales, Sonora. On a typical day, the Comedor is faced with feeding 200 or more people, 40% of whom may be children. There are estimates of 1200 or more families waiting in Nogales to make their credible fear claim to agents at the U.S. border. Only 15-20 families are allowed to present themselves daily and some have been waiting as long as four months.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Scott Warren's Landmark Case - December 2, 2019
As we celebrate the not-guilty verdict in Scott Warren's second trial on felony charges, we should also celebrate the decision of U.S. District Court Judge Raner Collins to acquit Warren on charges of "abandonment of property" (leaving water jugs in the desert). The judge ruled that this act was an exercise of Warren's deeply held religious beliefs and therefore protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). This decision is very important for two reasons: First, the judge invoked RFRA even though he did not invoke any particular religious belief system; second, this is believed to be the first use of RFRA which has been used to protect progressive religious activism, rather than refusal to hire or serve LGBTQ individuals or to provide reproductive health benefits to employees. In both respects this is a landmark case in the federal courts.
- David (fledgling snowbird from Michigan and first-time attendee at GV Samaritans meeting)
- David (fledgling snowbird from Michigan and first-time attendee at GV Samaritans meeting)
Compassion and Respect in the Desert - November 18, 2019
On a recent Sunday Samaritan Search, we came across several Border Patrol trucks alongside the road. We saw agents bringing a migrant group across the desert. Soon the migrants were sitting along the road. The handcuffs shackling them were being removed. We were allowed to hand out food and water.
A woman at the end of the line was crying and my partner said the woman was crying for her children. I sat next to her, putting my arms around her. She told me through her tears her three children lived with their grandparents back east. Though she never said the words, I knew her tears meant she knew she wasn’t going to see them. All I could tell her was, "Lo siento, I’m sorry.” Then I had to leave her. The agents were gathering the migrants’ information.
Throughout this encounter the agents treated the migrants with respect. My partner and I waited until all the migrants were in the trucks and on their way. I told the remaining agents I appreciated the courtesy I witnessed. We don’t always see eye to eye with Border Patrol, but that day I couldn’t have asked for better care for this group.
- Kathy
A woman at the end of the line was crying and my partner said the woman was crying for her children. I sat next to her, putting my arms around her. She told me through her tears her three children lived with their grandparents back east. Though she never said the words, I knew her tears meant she knew she wasn’t going to see them. All I could tell her was, "Lo siento, I’m sorry.” Then I had to leave her. The agents were gathering the migrants’ information.
Throughout this encounter the agents treated the migrants with respect. My partner and I waited until all the migrants were in the trucks and on their way. I told the remaining agents I appreciated the courtesy I witnessed. We don’t always see eye to eye with Border Patrol, but that day I couldn’t have asked for better care for this group.
- Kathy
A Better Use for $62,000,000 - November 4, 2019
Sara Busey, member of the End Streamline Coalition, surprised us with figures from their recently published Cost Study of Tucson’s Operation Streamline. Tucson is one of ten U.S. cities using this expedited criminal process for migrants.
Taxpayers are spending over sixty-two million dollars per year for Operation Streamline in Tucson. 70% of that cost is for incarceration in private prisons operated by Tennessee-based Core Civic; so, 70% of the expenditures leave the state. With that $62,000,000 Tucson could instead create 1,123 infrastructure jobs. See more suggestions in the Tucson Operation Streamline Cost Study.
- Susie
Taxpayers are spending over sixty-two million dollars per year for Operation Streamline in Tucson. 70% of that cost is for incarceration in private prisons operated by Tennessee-based Core Civic; so, 70% of the expenditures leave the state. With that $62,000,000 Tucson could instead create 1,123 infrastructure jobs. See more suggestions in the Tucson Operation Streamline Cost Study.
- Susie
A Sweet Memory of Friendship and Lost IDs Found - October 21, 2019
There they were, far out on Coronado Forest land: a one-year-old child’s birth certificate — stuck in the crook of a tree, her dad’s identification card lying in the dust, a child’s camouflage tee shirt, and a small distance away, a carefully folded child’s drawing in colored pencil. And more clothes.
Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans delivered the birth certificate and ID card to the Mexican Embassy. We are wondering what had happened here, knowing that we will never know...
- Judith
Baby Chicote - October 7, 2019
The tiny toddler shoe is a combination of pink, turquoise, yellow and purple with flowers, butterflies, crescent moons and stars stitched on denim. It has two silver sparkle laces attached beneath a velcro strap embroidered with the words “Baby Chicote.” The anti-slip white rubber sole apparently didn’t live up to its name because some little girl slipped right out of it leaving it behind on the migrant trail where it was found in the middle of the road by Samaritans on a recent search. It’s a poignant reminder that these are human beings, fellow travelers on the trail, struggling for their very lives, even little girls who love butterflies, moons and stars. It’s why we never stop looking. - Gail |
Young and Old Get Help at El Comedor - September 23, 2019
Reports from El Comedor (Kino Border Initiative’s lunchroom in Sonora, Mexico) today included an 87-year-old woman who traveled in a wheelchair from Guatemala. Just when everyone was leaving, a beautiful five month-old baby girl was carried in by Pancho, a Mexican nurse who offers medical help to many in Nogales, Sonora. They were accompanied by the baby's mother and three-year-old sister. The family was traveling alone from El Salvador and the baby was not well. A Samaritan nurse examined and treated the baby, who improved and was fine. Many more children are being seen routinely at El Comedor, compared to times past.
- Judy
- Judy
Newcomer's View - September 9, 2019
This Nugget is from a newcomer to Green Valley attending her first Samaritan meeting. One of the GVS Search teams encountered a Tucson Samaritan Search team that had discovered a group of 26 asylum seekers close to the border earlier. The apprehension of that group led directly to the apprehension of a second group of 80. It was a hot dry August day. "I can't imagine the desperation shared by these asylum seekers - their stories will be told someday, I hope."
- Laurie
- Laurie
Border Patrol Chats - August 26, 2019
We regularly hear about conversations with Border Patrol as part of search reports. We were reminded this morning that occasionally we encounter unpleasantness, sometimes there is little response to our attempts to converse and sometimes we have good conversations with them. Can't paint them all with the same brush.
- Sandra
- Sandra
The Policy of Metering - July 1, 2019
At today's meeting, folks working at the Comedor (in Sonora, Mexico), the monastery (in Tucson), or observing at Operation Streamline (at the US Federal Court building in Tucson) all report that the people, including significant numbers of young children, who want to make a case of "credible fear" to US authorities, are having to wait in Mexico. They are in Mexico for weeks and even months, just to present themselves, as a consequence of the policy of "metering," which seriously limits the number of people allowed to state their desire for a hearing.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Boss in Back - June 22, 2019
As a Samaritan, I volunteer at El Comedor in Nogales, Sonora where we go every Tuesday to help feed migrants. Sometimes when crossing back into the U.S., Border Patrol asks us what we were doing in Mexico. When we say feeding migrants at the Comedor, we get various responses from cold stares and silence to a rare “Thank you for what you do.”
At the I-19 checkpoint north of Tubac, BP is used to seeing the Samaritan vehicle with the sign on the side. On a recent trip, there were four of us returning from Mexico, and for once, Shura, our leader, was not driving. Instead Harry was driving with Steve in the passenger seat. Shura and I were in the back seat.
Much to our surprise, after pulling up to the checkpoint, the BP agent took one look at us, smiled and waved us through and said, “I see the boss is in the back!” We all laughed as indeed, the boss was in the back. For a moment we were all just folks, enjoying a light-hearted laugh.
- Gail
At the I-19 checkpoint north of Tubac, BP is used to seeing the Samaritan vehicle with the sign on the side. On a recent trip, there were four of us returning from Mexico, and for once, Shura, our leader, was not driving. Instead Harry was driving with Steve in the passenger seat. Shura and I were in the back seat.
Much to our surprise, after pulling up to the checkpoint, the BP agent took one look at us, smiled and waved us through and said, “I see the boss is in the back!” We all laughed as indeed, the boss was in the back. For a moment we were all just folks, enjoying a light-hearted laugh.
- Gail
Sleeping in the Cemetery - May 20, 2019
At the Monday, May 20 meeting we were reminded that while we hear about the asylum seekers being assisted at shelters in Tucson, there are 800 some others waiting in Nogales, Sonora, waiting to present their credible fear claim in hopes of being allowed to seek asylum in the United States. There are not enough shelters there, so many find themselves sleeping on the streets, in the cemetery, wherever they can. And their wait can be two months or more.
- Sandra
- Sandra
Searches Offer Aid - May 6, 2019
Our searches south of Arivaca are finding more migrants than in recent years. It has been nearly every week in fact. One of them involved a seriously dehydrated man who had been separated from his group. Samaritans rendered humanitarian aid until Border Patrol agents arrived and apprehended him. The agent was kind and light handed. These are always emotional interactions. It was the first for our drivers. They also had two first-time searchers along from out of state.
- Laurie
- Laurie
Wonderful Work - April 24, 2019
One of the Samaritans, on the way back from a Comedor visit, reported that two BP officers approached the Samaritan vehicle at the I-19 Checkpoint and thanked us for the work we do, saying, "You people do wonderful work." Especially nice to hear from Border Patrol.
- Sandra
- Sandra
No Eggs in the Courtroom - April 13, 2019
You have to be careful what you bring into a federal courthouse these days. I had my tiny two-inch pen knife on my keychain taken away from me once when I tried to enter DeConcini Federal Court House in Tucson where Operation Streamline is held. The daily fast-track criminal prosecution of migrants began in Tucson in 2008. Green Valley Samaritans attend twice a week as part of our keeping watch outreach.
Recently Samaritan Sara agreed to take seven dozen raw eggs to the monastery asylum shelter in Tucson on her way to Operation Streamline. Road construction delayed her 30 minutes, so rather than leave 84 eggs in a hot car for two hours, she decided to take the eggs into the courthouse. She says she had no trouble getting through security despite jokes about being an “egg lady.” The staff obviously thought there was no danger of guns being brought in via eggs.
While waiting on the second floor with her eggs, however, Sara was surprised to have a young man in uniform rush up to her yelling, “No eggs in the courthouse!” As if she were trying to pull a fast one, he added, “ I know your story, so don’t bother telling it to me.”
Sara left with her dangerous eggs and drove them to the monastery missing Operation Streamline that day. When she arrived at the courthouse the next week, Sara said security personnel showed no signs of recognizing the “egg lady.” She said she had thought of bringing one hard boiled egg to place in the security tray to go through the scanner, but thought better of it. One doesn’t want to play around with dangerous eggs.
- Gail
Recently Samaritan Sara agreed to take seven dozen raw eggs to the monastery asylum shelter in Tucson on her way to Operation Streamline. Road construction delayed her 30 minutes, so rather than leave 84 eggs in a hot car for two hours, she decided to take the eggs into the courthouse. She says she had no trouble getting through security despite jokes about being an “egg lady.” The staff obviously thought there was no danger of guns being brought in via eggs.
While waiting on the second floor with her eggs, however, Sara was surprised to have a young man in uniform rush up to her yelling, “No eggs in the courthouse!” As if she were trying to pull a fast one, he added, “ I know your story, so don’t bother telling it to me.”
Sara left with her dangerous eggs and drove them to the monastery missing Operation Streamline that day. When she arrived at the courthouse the next week, Sara said security personnel showed no signs of recognizing the “egg lady.” She said she had thought of bringing one hard boiled egg to place in the security tray to go through the scanner, but thought better of it. One doesn’t want to play around with dangerous eggs.
- Gail
We Were Honored - April 8, 2019
We were honored at our April 8th meeting to be visited by nine students and five adults from the Plymouth Congregational Church (UCC) from Seattle, Washington. In keeping with the mission of their historic church in downtown Seattle, they wanted to learn more about border issues from a Samaritan perspective. Their questions were thoughtful, insightful, and sincere. Visiting us is how they spent their Spring Break. We were honored by their presence.
- Russ
- Russ
What Brings You Joy...in this Despairing World? - March 25,2019
- For some wee ones, it’s a look in the mirror to see themselves looking back and giggling at the their reflection. For some toddlers, it’s the adventure of riding in a car seat for the first time ever and wondering why the other toddler nearby is shrieking at being strapped in. And for some young children it’s wearing the same Mickey Mouse hat for three days in a row as noted by a migrant father regarding his young son.
These are the tales of joy recounted by volunteers at Tucson’s Catholic Community Services Monastery Migrant shelter for asylum seekers. When I take in my donations, I need only walk a short distance before one young man or another, guests at the shelter, offer to help me with my load. In the kitchen, always awash with smiling volunteers cooking, baking, mixing and stirring, I drop off my sandwiches, apples and oranges, maybe hear a thank you on my way out the kitchen door.
It’s not about the thank you. It’s about feeding people; it’s about lending a helping hand in any way we can; it’s about making a difference, about making eye contact with vulnerable people, listening to their stories, touching, offering; it’s about honoring and respecting and looking for joy wherever we can find it. And in return, we volunteers connect to our thrive tribe, and once again we are able to go on, no matter what.
It takes a village. The cavalry is not coming to save us. Whatever we have been able to do that day, make a meal, help a teen find a shirt and a backpack, transport a family to the bus station to get them started on their road trip to family and hope, even smile and lay a hand on their shoulder—it all counts. It’s good for them and it’s good for us, and good for our soul. It’s the right thing to do. We are the “us” we’ve been waiting for.
- Gail
These are the tales of joy recounted by volunteers at Tucson’s Catholic Community Services Monastery Migrant shelter for asylum seekers. When I take in my donations, I need only walk a short distance before one young man or another, guests at the shelter, offer to help me with my load. In the kitchen, always awash with smiling volunteers cooking, baking, mixing and stirring, I drop off my sandwiches, apples and oranges, maybe hear a thank you on my way out the kitchen door.
It’s not about the thank you. It’s about feeding people; it’s about lending a helping hand in any way we can; it’s about making a difference, about making eye contact with vulnerable people, listening to their stories, touching, offering; it’s about honoring and respecting and looking for joy wherever we can find it. And in return, we volunteers connect to our thrive tribe, and once again we are able to go on, no matter what.
It takes a village. The cavalry is not coming to save us. Whatever we have been able to do that day, make a meal, help a teen find a shirt and a backpack, transport a family to the bus station to get them started on their road trip to family and hope, even smile and lay a hand on their shoulder—it all counts. It’s good for them and it’s good for us, and good for our soul. It’s the right thing to do. We are the “us” we’ve been waiting for.
- Gail
Hundreds Waiting for Legal Processing - March 11, 2019
We were reminded again of the extent of the humanitarian crisis on our border as a result of the exodus from Central America, due in large measure to the effects of climate change and the extreme violence in those countries. There are hundreds of people, including many children, waiting in Nogales, Sonora, for an opportunity to make their request for asylum (a completely legal process), but only 10-15 are processed daily. The shelters in Nogales are over-full and the Comedor, where usually 40-80 migrants are fed, have recently had as many as 300-500 hungry people showing up, greatly taxing both their capacity and their food supplies. - Sandra
They Just Keep Coming - February 13, 2019
"They just kept coming." That's how a member of the Samaritans described the scene last week at El Comedor where she was volunteering. Seventy-five adults and twenty-five children were crowded into the Comedor: seeking safety, finding sustenance, and enjoying fellowship. Most were from Guerrero, Mexico, a change from previous weeks, but like all the rest, they were fleeing poverty, violence, and the control of gangs and cartels.
- Russ and Rita
A Gut-Wrenching Story - January 28, 2018
Margo Cowan, the immigration lawyer behind the "Keep Tucson Together" legal clinics, came to our meeting to recruit more help. There are jobs for everyone, Spanish speaking or not, legal training or not. The effort is growing like crazy, trying to keep up with the needs. There are successes and failures.
A decision in a recent case trying to establish hardship to a family should their mother be deported was gut wrenching. The sexual abuse of a young daughter, a U.S. citizen, by a family member, was not enough to stay the deportation.
- Laurie
A decision in a recent case trying to establish hardship to a family should their mother be deported was gut wrenching. The sexual abuse of a young daughter, a U.S. citizen, by a family member, was not enough to stay the deportation.
- Laurie
You Walk on Water - January 14, 2019
During a seemingly routine recent water drop, our vehicle was approached by a Border Patrol agent who told one of our members "You walk on water."
He went on to say that back in 2014 he had found a young girl in the desert who had been raped repeatedly and left to die. As she was severely dehydrated and near death, the agent picked her up and began to carry her back to his vehicle. On his way, he found water Samaritans had left in the desert. Our work and the agent's humanity saved her life. No one should die in the desert.
- Russ
He went on to say that back in 2014 he had found a young girl in the desert who had been raped repeatedly and left to die. As she was severely dehydrated and near death, the agent picked her up and began to carry her back to his vehicle. On his way, he found water Samaritans had left in the desert. Our work and the agent's humanity saved her life. No one should die in the desert.
- Russ
Complex Realities - December 2, 2018
Here are two Nuggets from Monday’s meeting that instruct us well. The realities of the border are complex. One of Samaritans’ purposes is to discover these complexities.
A young man from Honduras presented himself to a member of our group within the last few weeks. He had traveled four months from Honduras, ending in a five day walk, to reach the border. Abandoned by his coyote, he wandered the desert for 15 days before making it to Green Valley. After receiving food and water, he was on his way toward a hopeful future. Miraculous.
Out on a Samaritan Search, one team encountered a Border Patrol agent and talked for an hour. While some agents are reluctant to talk or they rant, this agent was fair minded and thoughtful. Possessing a Masters Degree, he endeavored to do his job with respect and concern. In six years on the job, he has had only 2-3 threatening situations and none involved firearms.
- Russ
A young man from Honduras presented himself to a member of our group within the last few weeks. He had traveled four months from Honduras, ending in a five day walk, to reach the border. Abandoned by his coyote, he wandered the desert for 15 days before making it to Green Valley. After receiving food and water, he was on his way toward a hopeful future. Miraculous.
Out on a Samaritan Search, one team encountered a Border Patrol agent and talked for an hour. While some agents are reluctant to talk or they rant, this agent was fair minded and thoughtful. Possessing a Masters Degree, he endeavored to do his job with respect and concern. In six years on the job, he has had only 2-3 threatening situations and none involved firearms.
- Russ