What We Do
The mission of Samaritans is to save lives and relieve suffering in the Arizona borderlands. The conditions at our border have changed since our founding in 2005 and yet we are still focused on this same mission. We accomplish our mission through the six main activities below. This would not be possible without a myriad of volunteer Samaritans. If you are a new volunteer Samaritan, we recommend you attend a Samaritan Training in Tucson. Here's a brochure telling more about us.
Desert SearchesSearch teams witness the desert when driving the backroads. Samaritans offer water, food, clothes and first aid to anyone suffering from heat stroke, severe cold, dehydration, exhaustion or injuries. We call 911 or Border Patrol for those needing major medical help.
Samaritans converse with Border Patrol agents, hunters, birders, ranchers, humanitarian aid volunteers, biologists, migrants and militia. Prepare for a Search by reading What to Expect on a Desert Trip. |
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El ComedorEl Comedor, an aid center for migrants in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico provides two meals a day to migrant men, women and children at all stages of their journeys; some are deportees and many are seeking asylum. Many are experiencing life-altering choices. Once a week, we help serve meals and converse with migrants. First aid is available. Here is a list of needed medical items. If you wish, bring some to a Samaritan meeting or the day you go to El Comedor.
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Operation StreamlineSamaritans regularly witness and report on Operation Streamline (OS) proceedings at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Tucson.
Operation Streamline is a process of mass, fast-track court hearings where unauthorized migrants are prosecuted as criminals. Up to 75 migrants bound with 5-point shackles are charged and sentenced within 2 hours. We witness court on Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact Katrina or Sara on the Contact Us page, so you can go with them and get more out of your experience. For more information, click on Operation Streamline Overview. And here is a recent Tucson Operation Streamline Cost Study. |
CommunicationsThe Communications Group meets after the biweekly Samaritan meeting. See meeting dates on the calendar. It's a great time for newcomers to ask questions and get connected.
We also:
We spread the word' and encourage others to share opinions and experiences through:
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