Tucson Dreamers rally downtown to spotlight deportation fears and immigration uncertainty

Dreamers, veterans, supporters and community leaders gathered downtown Tuesday for Rally de la Rosas, organized by Common Defense. The event focused on immigration enforcement and the uncertainty faced by people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Roberto Navarro Bocanegra, a 24-year-old University of Arizona student and DACA recipient, spoke about his deportation case. He said he was brought to the United States at 18 months old, has lived nearly his entire life here, is studying mechanical engineering and is married to a U.S. citizen.

Navarro Bocanegra said his immigration petition was denied after a signature mistake, forcing him to resubmit the paperwork. He said the process led to deportation proceedings and has created uncertainty for him and his wife. His attorney, Mo Goldman, criticized the government’s handling of the case.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva also attended the rally. Both expressed support for immigrants and called for immigration reform, including passage of the Dream Act. Navarro Bocanegra said he wanted to support others who are unable to speak publicly and remind them they are not alone.