Elvira Arellano deported to México

Whenever I think of this, I feel so much pain for her and her son. Now that I have kids, I wonder to what extent I would go to make sure they were fed and healthy. Let me tell you, I would go far.

My parents went far as well when they decided to cross the border. I'm tired of criminalizing people for trying to survive and make a better life for themselves and family.

We're living in scary times. The housing market has taken a huge plunge and really brings economic distress in this country home. I ask, what is the US going to do when our economic system fails us? Will we cross borders to eat, to work, to survive. How far would you go? How many borders would you be willing to cross?

I truly feel awful for the separation this family like many others have endured. This was not an easy decision for Elvira. I applaud her courage and hope that she finds the strength to continue fighting. Viva Elvira Arrellano!
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We would like to inform and update that Elvira Arellano has been deported by ICE last night please read article in

La Opinion

Our community partners, the Raza Rights Coalition in San Diego, has obtained her statements as soon as she was deported, which will be released soon.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Unión del Barrio will be organizing a press 5pm conference, followed by a protest 6pm and a Vigil at 8pm. All taking place at the Federal Building in downtown. 300 north Los Angeles Street. For anyone in LA that want to support this struggle there.

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Immigration activist Arellano arrested

By Antonio Olivo
Chicago Tribune

August 20, 2007

LOS ANGELES - An immigration activist who sought refuge inside a Chicago church for a year was arrested in Los Angeles this afternoon after taking her campaign on the road.

Elvira Arellano was arrested about 4:15 p.m. Chicago time by law-enforcement officials after leaving Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in downtown Los Angeles, said Emma Lozano, an adviser who was there during the arrest.

After talking to news media inside the church, Arellano and her supporters got into their van to head north to San Jose, where she was scheduled to speak at another church, Lozano said. Moments after they entered the van, an unmarked vehicle stopped them.

The driver of Arellano's van, Roberto Lopez, poked his head out because he wanted to see why they were being blocked. Several other unmarked vehicles surrounded their van.

Agents emerged from all the cars screaming for Arellano to get out, Lozano said. Her 8-year-old son, Saul, started to cry, and Arellano said to everyone in the car, "Calm down. Don't have any fear. They can't hurt me."

Then she turned to the people who were about to arrest her and she said, "You're going to have to give me a minute with my son," Lozano said. She spent time with her son in the car, then surrendered.

Arellano was arrested on Main Street, near the church, where she slept Saturday night and where she's held several press conferences Saturday and today.

aolivo@tribune.com