Sanctuary Success!

Hello, dearest readers,

Today, I am overjoyed to update you all that in big Tucson news, Daniel Neyoy Ruiz, who was given sanctuary by Southside Presbyterian Church while facing a deportation order, has received word that he has been granted relief from deportation! This husband and father has been granted a stay after much community pressure argued that he was a perfect example of an undocumented resident who should never have to worry about being deported. To clarify, his "stay of deportation" is provisional for one year, so he will have to reapply every year unless a more permanent solution comes with immigration reform or his case is closed. 

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition to the government, provided financial support, went to the nightly vigils, stayed with the family at any point during the last 26 days so they would never be in the church alone, helped spread the word, and held this family in your thoughts and prayers.

For background in case you missed my two previous entries about this radical act of hospitality, check them out here: Sanctuary Part Two; Sanctuary Update).

In those 26 days, the community here was in constant work mobilizing local folks to support in various ways, and mobilizing the wider community to petition the government for Daniel's case to be closed. One way Tucsonans stood with the family was attending nightly vigils with the family. Various members of Southside helped put together a reflection and music over this period, so Southside YAV Amy Beth took the lead on a couple, as well as former YAV and current housemate Steph, who roped me in as well. Steph asked me to help her with the vigil music on May 28th, so I in turn convinced my co-worker and incredibly talented musician Nancy to help me too. It was a blessing to be with the family, to be with Steph as she poured out her heart in both English and Spanish, and to meditate through music with Nancy. 

That night we learned through talking with Daniel that because could not work or provide for his family during this time, he was getting stir-crazy cooped up at the church. Thankfully, someone donated painting supplies, so he produced several paintings about culture, family, immigration status, etc. during his time. Here he is with his son Carlos and two of his masterpieces.

Then on June 1st, Amy Beth and I got up at 7am on a Sunday to watch this amazing woman, Pastor Alison (AKA Amy Beth's supervisor) rock an interview with Melissa Harris Perry on MSNBC about Southside Presbyterian Church's action to take an undocumented father into sanctuary against federal deportation orders. Yep, she was one of those cool, knowledgeable people that was Skyped in to the news for her expertise! Check out this clip: Pastor Alison on MSNBC with Melissa Harris Perry

It's been amazing how the word has spread locally and nationally. Here is just one article about the closing of Daniel's case, and there are many more circulating. Feds grant stay to immigrant living in Tucson church

Speaking of press, it was beautiful to see this month of sanctuary come to a close with a press conference at Southside. My co-workers Nancy and Rhonda joined me at noon on June 10th, and I'm thankful I brought my good camera this time!  

Here is the family being interviewed before the official press conference.

My housemate Steph and Pastor Alison preparing the blessing in Spanish.

The family after being clapped in, as they were when Daniel entered into sanctuary.

The service included a beautiful balance of legal updates and spiritual components led by Pastor Alison and organizations such as Keep Tucson Together and SEIU Arizona. Sarah from Keep Tucson Together (a free legal clinic that operates out of Southside) praised the sacrifice of this family, turning their lives upside down, Daniel not being able to provide for his family... "But they did it because the alternative was worse: young Carlos growing up without his father... It should never have gotten to this point - his case should have been considered as low priority and closed long ago... His case highlights the importance of communities to prevent more deportations like he was facing."

Here Daniel delivers his thanks and a powerful message, interpreted by Steph. "Everything here was an experience of love... To others out there like me, you are not alone. There is a community supporting you. I'm just one voice... Others are afraid to come into the light, and I'm here to tell you to not be afraid to come out and fight for your families." 

As they had done for one of Southside's services, Daniel and his aunt (who happens to be the choir director at their church) played a couple of worship songs in both English and Spanish. So beautiful.

Daniel's pastor led a prayer as well, saying "la oracion puede mover montañas," "Prayer can move mountains." He thanked God for grace, for God's hand, for strength and mercy in this time, and he gave thanks to Southside for continuing to help those in need. 

As the family had been welcomed into sanctuary with a blessing by Pastor Alison, they were shepherded out with a blessing.


After these emotional moments, the press had their time with the family and community. Here's Pastor Alison rocking more interviews.

The family strides out of the church doors, just for the press :-)

This is just one case. But it means so much to this family and to the wider family of Tucson. Just check out Daniel's son Carlos' Letter to the President. 

Reminder: about 1,100 people are still being deported every day, and thousands are in limbo and being held in detention centers, holding cells, and makeshift warehouses. These are children, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. Hijos. Madres. Padres. Hermanos y hermanas. They belong to someone. They are important to someone, so they should be important to us all. Community support has worked and can work again! Ni una mas deportacion, ni una mas separacion de familias!

In fact, Rev. Dr. Miguel de la Torre who has been staying at BorderLinks the last few days has a challenge for you: A Call to Communities of Faith. (He has been staying with us at BorderLinks to film for his upcoming documentary "Trails of Hope and Terror," as well as leading a couple reflections on the Bible and deconstructing privilege and oppression. Check out his film project here: http://www.trailsofhopeandterrorthemovie.com/) 

 He gave this talk at Southside the very day of Daniel's big news, and  makes a compelling argument that the actions of sanctuary taken for Daniel's case should be much more widespread. What do you think? Are you ready to provide radical hospitality to our undocumented brothers and sisters?