About

Who We Are

The Tucson Community Rapid Response network provides a way for people to respond to fear and anxiety in our community as a result of the increase in immigration enforcement and attacks against our communities. We believe in the importance of community presence in order to hold law enforcement accountable. The network provides a 24-hour hotline to immigrants facing arrest by local law enforcement or federal immigration agents.  Upon receiving a call, we dispatch “community observers” to the arrest location to bear witness to the interaction between law enforcement and the detained person. Following the arrest, and or detention, of an individual our “accompaniment volunteers”offer support  to families throughout the detention process.

Vision

Our goal is to mobilize the greater Tucson community in forming an emergency response network, to serve as witnesses to immigration enforcement actions, uphold the rights of immigrants, and provide direct support and connection to resources to affected Tucson residents.

Our Network

Community Observers

The observation team is made up of community observers who respond directly to the site of an arrest. Observers bear witness to immigration enforcement actions and collect data regarding the nature of cross-agency collaboration and enforcement patterns within Tucson’s neighborhoods and roadways. This community effort to document such data is intended to first and foremost provide any information that may be helpful for an individual’s legal process, while also providing data that can be shared back with the community, and used for possible future advocacy campaigns or lawsuits.

Accompaniment Volunteers 

Our accompaniment volunteers make a long-term commitment to be present for the individuals who have experienced arrest and/or detention as well as their families. Their support includes connecting families to existing community resources and organizations, as well as helping families navigate the immigration system.

Administrators

Our administrative team act as the initial point-of-contact for any individuals calling the hotline. They also coordinate community trainings,engage in outreach opportunities, and coordinate the collecting of data.

Know Your Rights

  • If the officer questions you, you can say, “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent. I will not answer any questions without an attorney present.”
  • If you carry an ID from another country with you, be aware that the police can use it as a reason to call Border Patrol or ICE; and immigration authorities can use it against you in a deportation case.
  • If they say yes, you may slowly drive or walk away.
  • If an officer says they need to search your pockets or search your car, you can say “I do not consent to a search.” If they search you or your vehicle anyways, do not intervene in the search.
  • Opening your door gives them consent to come into your house.
  • ICE agents sometimes trick people into opening the door by pretending to be the police, pretending that they are investigating an identity theft or a car theft case against a person who lives there, or showing a paper that isn’t a warrant.
  • Do not answer their questions or consent to a search. Say, “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent. I do not want to answer any questions without an attorney present. I do not consent to a search.”
  • If a School Resource Officer, school administrator, or police officer is asking you about your immigration status at school, you can ask, “Can I call my parent or guardian?” and say, “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent. I will not answer any questions without an attorney present.”
  • Ask the agents, “am I free to go?” If they say yes, you may slowly drive or walk away.
  • If the officer questions you, you can say “I choose to exercise my right to remain silent. I will not answer any questions without an attorney present.” Sometimes officers lie and tell you that answering their questions can help you avoid deportation or criminal charges, and then use what you said against you in court. You should always talk to a lawyer before answering their questions.
  • If you call your family or lawyer give them your A number (if in immigration custody) and your location so they can call you again.
  • This includes police and government officials.
  • If you disobey the property owner’s rules, they can order you off their property and have you arrested for trespassing if you do not comply.
  • Police may not search your cell phone or camera when they arrest you, unless they get a warrant.

Deportation Defense Resources

Communities are fighting deportations across the country. With knowledge, comes power. Below you will find a selection of links to resources created by some of the leading immigration organizations in the country.

Community Organizations for Immigrant Families

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