SAMARITANS----WHO ARE WE?
Who or what is it? Samaritans (formerly Samaritan Patrol) are people of faith and conscience who are responding directly, practically and passionately to the crisis at the US/ Mexico border. We are a diverse group of volunteers that are united in our desire to relieve suffering among our brothers and sisters and to honor human dignity. Prompted by the mounting deaths among border crossers, we came together July 2002 to provide emergency medical assistance, food and water to people crossing the Sonoran Desert.
What exactly does Samaritan Patrol do? We patrol the desert on a daily basis during the hot months continuing the ancient Southwest tradition of hospitality to travelers. At least one member of each patrol is a fluent Spanish speaker, and one is, ideally, a medical professional. Patrols carry water, food, emergency medical supplies, communication equipment, maps and individual traveler-packs containing items necessary
to survive in the desert.
Isn't that illegal? No. Samaritans is an entirely overt organization committed to a protocol of aid that has Border Patrol is aware of. We have enjoyed coooperative relations with the agents in the field. We patrol only areas that are open to us, never trespassing onto private land.
REMEMBER: IT IS NEVER ILLEGAL TO PROVIDE WATER, FOOD & MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING IN DISTRESS.
Are the patrols effective? In the last six years we have directly aided hundreds of people some of whom were in dire medical distress. Volunteers feel that even if we have only helped one exhausted suffering person then our efforts have been worth it. We have provided water to those dehydrated from
walking in the desert heat, treated severe sprains and other injuries, bandaged severely blistered feet
(potentially life-threatening if you cannot walk and get left behind), called emergency aid for people close to
experiencing heat stroke, offered blankets on cold nights, given diapers and baby formula to infants and
continue to give food and water to very large detained groups of crossers.
Do the patrols continue after the hot weather is over? Yes, unfortunately people also die of exposure, dehydration and hypothermia in the winter months.
Where do you go? Routes change as the need changes You may find us along State Highway
86 between Tucson & Sells and beyond to Ajo, near Ironwood Forest National Monument in
the Silverbell Mine area, or along State Route 286 from Three Points to Sasabe, in the
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, around the Arivaca and Amado areas, near Green
Valley, Rio Rico, Nogales, Patagonia and Sonoita.
Are you working to address problems with US border policy? We are actively seeking to change border policy by serving as witness to its failures, by drawing media attention to the suffering in the desert and by advocating a more realistic and humane border policy. We support the finalization of international accords that would help prevent traveler's deaths. We are
committed to bringing all parties to the table to define sustainable immigration policy.
Can I become a volunteer? Absolutely. Volunteers ideally attend a 3 hour training which includes the mission, protocol, history of the border, legal and medical issues. For those who do not want to go on trips, there are support roles available.
COME TO A MEETING - Every Tuesday
7PM at SOUTHSIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
317 W. 23rd Street
Tucson AZ 85713
520-620-0725
