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Refugee Update

May 12, 2019
By Eileen Mahony, CSA

The last few weeks ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) and well as CBP (Customs & Border Patrol) have been bringing to the center 200 to 250 guests daily. As before, all have children. Up to 500 had been there each night challenging the generous services and resources of volunteers and donations. Last weekend the city of Tucson opened two recreation centers to provide hospitality to 120 guests each after they have been welcomed and medically screened at the monastery center. The guests continue to come primarily from Guatemala and smaller numbers from Honduras and El Salvador. During these two weeks, Border Patrol has been bringing two large busloads daily from El Paso whose services have been “maxed”.

This week new support came from surprising sources. Catholic Charities of the U.S. invited its agencies across the country to send volunteers. The first group to respond has been the Archdiocese of New York with a team this week and others will come the next two weeks. They help with hospitality, intake, transportation and everything in-between. Perhaps others will follow! Just in time as faithful local volunteers are getting weary… Another touch of kindness was from the flower-bearers who came today. To add a touch of festivity to the guests’ dining room one group brought dozens of roses. Faculty from the University of Arizona brought table centerpieces from yesterday’s graduations. All in time to celebrate Mother’s Day both US, Mexican, and Guatemalan!

Invitation Only