TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Human Rights Coalition volunteers have been standing by at the federal courthouse in Tucson to support people who are there for immigration proceedings.
The volunteers are trained to help inform people of their rights before they face a judge.
The initiative has gained a lot of traction, with about 100 volunteers already trained. Every day, volunteers are posted both outside and inside the courthouse to support people.
Alba Jaramillo, an immigration lawyer volunteering with the organization, helps train the volunteers.
While facing immigration proceedings may be daunting, some volunteers want to help by letting people know their rights before they face a judge.
“(The trainings are) to make sure immigrants know their rights, to observe if ICE attempts an unlawful detention,” Jaramillo told 13 News. “We are taking it upon ourselves as a community to show up for immigrants, make sure they know their rights, and to let them know that they are not alone.”
There have been reports of ICE agents around the country detaining people in courthouses after their immigration hearingssometimes after their cases get dismissed.
Jaramillo said this is reflected in Tucson.
“What we’re seeing in our community is a hostility towards our immigrant community by ICE,” Jaramillo added. “We see multiple raids, and it’s become a hostile environment, especially living so close to the border.”
Sarah Roberts is a volunteer who has helped people both outside and inside the courthouse.
She was moved to help inform people of their rights after watching detention videos outside the courtrooms.
“The emotions that come up for me are really anger, and I feel that it’s very unfair and unjust,” Roberts said.
While there are people who may disagree with their position, Roberts and Jaramillo remain dedicated to this work.
“I do foresee myself doing it for quite a lot of time, until there’s not a need, so we’ll see how long that will be,” Roberts added.
“It is about defending the constitution so that our future generations can count on basic protections, like due process, the right to have your case decided by an immigration judge, and the right to be able to attend your hearing without the fear of arrest,” Jaramillo said.
The volunteers also have orange cards and fliers on hand to give to people, but if they are on federal property, they’re not allowed to give them out. Instead, volunteers read the rights off the flier to make sure people are aware of them.
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