Dozens of families, religious leaders, immigrants and activists marched today through the streets of the city of Tucson, southern Arizona, to order a halt to the deportations and family separations.
About 300 people showed up at the headquarters of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in this city to request a stay of deportation of about 50 immigrants in Tucson.
The protesters asked that these cases be closed, because they believe meet the requirements two months ago announced by the administration of President Barack Obama "low priority" for not pose a threat to national security.
Among the 50 undocumented immigrants who are in deportation proceedings, together have 54 sons Americans.
Among those affected are several families with multiple members in deportation proceedings, many of them would qualify to legalize their immigration status if it was approved the federal Dream Act.
Among those affected are Betsaira Garcia, 23 years and who has 20 years living in the United States illegally, and who told Efe that are asking ICE to comply with the policies established by the administration and stop the deportations of immigrants like her are not criminals.
"We have a new opportunity, because I feel as a resident over Tucson, but I have no papers," said Garcia.
Another hit is Sandra Moreno, who was arrested by the Border Patrol after he was detained by police for a traffic infraction minutes after picking up their children in school.
Margo Cowan, an immigration attorney and activist, said he hopes this is the beginning of a nationwide movement.
"The people deserve to live in peace without having to be thinking about who will next face deportation, immigrants do not deserve to live in this fear," Cowan told the audience that gathered at a local church before starting the march .
"This is a very special day for our community, today we are celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe, a virgin who has crossed the border thousands of times, tattooed on the skin of immigrants, painted on their shirts or embroidered on their collars" Leo told Efe Guardado, social justice director of the Most Holy Trinity Catholic parish.
"The deportations are separating families and families are the central part of the communities," he said.
Guardado believes there is great urgency among the immigrant community for the early adoption of immigration reform, while recognizing that there is currently no conditions in Washington DC
He said that the immigrant community in Arizona continues to suffer the consequences of the adoption of the 1070 state law and the implementation of federal programs such as Safe Communities.
Under the latter, many migrants are turned over to Immigration after committing a traffic violation simply because the existing cooperation with law enforcement agencies locally.
"There are many families suffering, many who have been separated because its members were arrested when they managed to get to work," concluded Guardado.