Churches promise 'radical welcome' for migrants with revived Sanctuary movement

Leaders from 19 Southern Arizona congregations agreed to defend refugees and unauthorized immigrants from deportation, bucking the Trump administration's apparent plan to immediately deport 2-3 million people. The local faith leaders have joined a larger movement involving more than 700 religious congregations nationwide. ... Read more»

Rosa Robles Loreto leaves sanctuary of Tucson church after 461 days

Surrounded by a packed house of supporters and reporters in a Tucson chapel, Rosa Imelda Robles Loreto thanked her family, her lawyer and advocates for helping her endure 461 days of sanctuary as she avoided deportation at Southside Presbyterian Church.... Read more»2

Tucson woman marks one year in sanctuary

One year after entering a Tucson church to avoid being deported, an immigrant woman and the community that supports her marked the anniversary. In a small room at a South Tucson church, Rosa Robles Loreto counts the things she's missed: The birthdays of her two sons. Their baseball games, too numerous to count. Her anniversary with her husband.... Read more»

Migrant granted new deportation stay as he returns to sanctuary

Immigration officials have extended the stay of a Mexican illegal immigrant, Daniel Neyoy Ruiz, who went into sanctuary last week at a Midtown Tucson church to protect himself from deportation.... Read more»

Six months later, undocumented woman still waits in sanctuary

Rosa Robles Loreto has waited for six months for immigration officials to offer a stay of deportation order, living in sanctuary in a Tucson church. She has been anchored to a small room on the grounds of Southside Presbyterian Church, spending her days and nights there because the church is a safe harbor.... Read more»

Analysis

Welcoming the newcomer: Faith groups rally religious on immigration reform

Advocacy around immigration reform continues to gain momentum, with bipartisan groups in Congress and President Barack Obama pushing to fix our nation’s immigration system and provide a road map to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in our country.... Read more»

Illegal immigration

Tucsonans have long history of offering sanctuary

While Tucson officials today say they do not consider the city a designated place of sanctuary, human rights work continues the path of the Sanctuary Movement through local organizations.... Read more»