We are grieving the loss of Marco Tulio, husband to Laura and father of three, deported and torn from his family one week ago. In June of 2014, Marco Tulio was granted an order of supervision (a 6 month delay of deportation) after planning to take Sanctuary at Shadow Rock UCC in Phoenix. Following the order of supervision, he was granted two year-long stays of removal but not guaranteed a third. In April, Marco Tulio reported for a check-in at the ICE office and was told to return in 30 days. Meanwhile, his lawyer had requested a stay of removal.
On Thursday, May 11, ICE officials LIED to Marco Tulio and his attorney. They led his attorney to believe that there Marco would not be detained or deported, but would simply need to have an ankle bracelet while his stay of removal application was being reviewed. While Marco was going through the process of attaining the ankle device, he was detained and deported by ICE calling home a few hours later from Nogales, Sonora. The ICE officers’ deceit and lack of integrity resulted in a father being ripped from his family.
Marco has a new claim to asylum because his cousin was recently murdered and other family members have been threatened with violence. His lawyer is petitioning that he be returned to his family on this basis. We are asking Senator McCain and Senator Flake to sponsor a private bill on his behalf. Call their offices TODAY to let them know where you stand. A sample script is below.
Senator McCain
Washington office: (202) 224-2235 Phoenix office: (602) 952-2410
Senator Flake
Washington office: (202) 224-4521 Phoenix office: (602) 840-1891
Sample script:
My name is _________ and I am your constituent from ________, Arizona. I am asking Senator ________ to sponsor a private bill on the behalf of Marco Tulio Coss Ponce, A#087-756-303. On Thursday, May 11, Marco was unjustly detained at the Phoenix ICE office after being told an administrative remedy was available. He was then deported. Marco is in the process of reopening his removal case pursuant to a new asylum claim based on the recent murder of his cousin and threats to other family members. For almost 20 years, Marco has lived in the Mesa community, providing for his wife and two sons. As a person of faith, I believe the integrity of every family is important. Marco’s family needs him.
Mi nombre es ______ y soy tu elector de _____ , Arizona. Le pido al Senador ____ para apoyar un proyecto de ley privado por el parte de Marco Tulio Coss Ponce, A#087-756-303. El Jueves, el 11 de Mayo, Marco fue detenido injustamente en la oficina Phoenix de ICE después de que la oficina de ICE le dijo que un remedio administrativo era disponible. Después, fue deportado. Es en el proceso de reabrir su caso de cese por una nueva declaración de asilo, basada en el asesinato reciente de su primo y otras amenazas a sus familiares. Por casi 20 años, Marco ha vivido en la comunidad de Mesa, cuidando su esposa y dos hijos. Como una persona de fe, creo que la integridad de una familia es muy importante. La familia de Marco lo necesita mucho.
Please CALL NOW!
If you call and get through, please e-mail sazsanctuary@gmail.com with the staffers’ response.
AmyBeth and the Southern Arizona Sanctuary Coalition team