Everything Under The Sun: Life-Saving Assistance For Border Crossers

Peaceful protesters at the border.

Those who make the trek from a Latin American nation across the southern US border don't face an easy crossing. Because there is a border wall in easier-to-cross areas and border patrols are increasingly more vigilant, these immigrants wanting refuge here are forced to use the more difficult routes. Those routes present a great deal of danger to these refugees, crossing forbidding desert areas, where they can easily die.

TUSCON SAMARITANS, an all-volunteer group of citizens, provide a lifeline for these border crossers. They regularly undertake expeditions into the desert, rescuing anyone with whom they come in contact. They also set up relief stations, which contain the all-important water that can prevent dehydration in those who are crossing the desert. The group members also carry out nonviolent protests at border checkpoints to protest harsh treatment of those who seek safety here.

Tucson Samaritans works closely with a similar organization, GREEN VALLEY-SAHUARITA SAMARITANS, although the latter also has projects independent from the former. Every month, Tucson Samaritans holds a workshop for those interested in helping either organization. The program includes a history of both Samaritans, a short history about the border, and what to expect if you join a Search group. Once trained, attendees can sign up for any scheduled Search.

Just recently, a federal judge provided a ruling that benefits undocumented immigrants. Essentially the ruling called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to stop asking local jails to hold prisoners due to be released while the agency determines immigration status. Since the ruling was made in the Midwest, Bob Libal, director of Grassroots Leadership, believed that the rule would initially apply only to six Midwestern States. But he expected that it would eventually apply everywhere.

Mr. Libal said, "We're not entirely sure what that's going to mean for some of the detainers that are issued here in Texas. We also believe that the underlying assertion of the court is correct and that will have the impact of affecting other courts around the country."

Usually these detainers issued by ICE are only good for 48 hours, but many legal advocates are holding that these detainers violate the law, especially if issued when someone is accused of a minor violation. The controversy over these detainers has even made its way into political contests in Texas. Mr. Libal stated, "In Dallas County, the sheriff said she wouldn't be honoring some detainers, and in Houston, there's been a very active campaign to try to convince elected officials there to end detainers. We do believe that there seems to be growing momentum against these things."

Tucson Samaritans out in the desert with relief supplies.

Around the US, there are some 400 communities that have ended cooperation or limited their response to immigration detainers. Any legislation seeking to penalize or punish these communities has so far failed to obtain traction.