Influential Tucson immigration attorney Margo Cowan is collaborating with Green Valley Samaritans (GVS), No More Deaths (NMD), and Tucson Samaritans (TS) to facilitate immigration into the U.S., referring to the surge of migrants overwhelming the southern border as a “gold mine” of opportunity.
Understanding Cowan’s involvement requires reflecting on the winter weather blast on Dec. 23rd. Several hundred migrants were “stranded” along the border wall near Sasabe, Arizona. NMD aid workers intervened by transporting the “asylum seekers” from the remote Tres Bellotes wall area by car to the Sasabe border patrol. NMD posted on X, formerly Twitter, that they “evacuated” 150 asylum seekers from the “frigid” weather and set up makeshift traps and food for about 150 more.
NMD criticized Border Patrol for not collecting the migrants and accused them of threatening arrest and abandoning migrants in hypothermic conditions. An NMD volunteer claimed all 300 migrants would have died from exposure if they hadn’t intervened. Weather Underground reported the low temperature on the 23rd at 40 degrees.
Meanwhile, Border Patrol stated their vehicles weren’t adequate to carry the large group and told aid workers to call 911 emergency services for an actual emergency. A Border Patrol spokesperson told the Tucson Sentinel, “The fact is we are enforcing the law, and there are consequences for those who fail to use lawful pathways.”
During a recent GSV, NMD, and TS meeting, the topic of transports and further involvement to facilitate immigrant entry to the U.S. was discussed. Bryce Peterson, a volunteer with NMD who had transported migrants on the 23rd, emphasized the need to publicize their efforts to pressure Border Patrol.
Cowan, addressing the groups, emphasized the urgency of the situation, describing it as an “extraordinary” moment for intervention. She outlined a short-term plan involving a “messenger” advocating for GVS, NMD, and TS to transport illegal immigrants as “emergencies” to alleviate inhumane treatment. Cowan stressed the need for a sophisticated and subtle approach during this “emergency.”
Cowan, a long-time figure in the immigration debate, collaborated with John Fife in the 80s on the Sanctuary Movement. The movement facilitated Central American migration to the U.S., providing a safe haven in churches. An estimated 3 million “undocumented” immigrants were granted amnesty in 1986.
In September, Cowan told the Border Chronicle that asylums were initially limited, but now they are prevalent in various locations, including Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras, and even African countries. She highlighted her team’s efforts to investigate conditions in asylum seekers’ home countries, aiming to assist them in building a compelling case in the U.S. Additionally, she pointed out that immigration court dates in most U.S. cities are significantly delayed, with no apparent improvement or catch-up in sight.
Cowan, who lost her immigration attorney license for two years in July, is now advocating for a ballot initiative called “Justice for All.” The initiative focuses on providing a public defender for “indigent” undocumented migrants involved in removal proceedings. The initiative seeks to create the Office of Immigration Representation, funded by sliding scale fees and public and private dollars.
The Justice for All website states that immigration bonds are 100% post bonds, unlike criminal bonds which are 10%. Cowan believes that representation significantly increases the chances of remaining in the U.S., as demonstrated by a study from October 2019.
However, questions arise about how the Office of Immigration Representation will fulfill these goals, especially when focused on representing those facing deportation due to their illegal status.
Robyn Spradlin is a freelance journalist working as a contributor for Christian News Journal covering news and politics on the national and state levels. She has worked as a copywriter for Victory News on the Victory Channel since 2022. Robyn has an BA in Communication Studies and MA in Journalism from Regent University and is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. She is an author, evangelistic minister and a musician. She lives in South Florida where she enjoys the outdoors when she’s not writing.