Tucson residents and activists join nationwide 'sick out' to protest Trump immigration policies

Community members and activists gathered in Tucson on Tuesday to show solidarity with immigrants.

It's part of a nationwide movement in protest of the Trump administration's immigration policies, and it comes as the federal government's deportation campaign accelerates — with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests happening in workplaces, schools and other spaces.

Several dozen people filtered in and out of a church parking lot in Tucson’s south side, where a lineup of tents featured local vendors, community groups and a live DJ.

Tony is a local labor organizer. He says the event is part of a larger effort this week to support local businesses and to bring together immigrant groups. He didn’t want to give his full name for fear of deportation.

“What we want is for the community to be united, and for all immigrant organizations to work together to face everything coming our way in the next four years,” he said.

Tony said local tools — like legal service providers and a rapid response hotline to report ICE activity — are helping. But, it’s still hard for community members to feel safe.

Cities across the U.S. were slated to take part in a July 1 effort called the Sick of ICE movement, which asked people to call out of work, support local and immigrant-run businesses, and join solidarity efforts like rapid response networks.

Shakib Mouzioui is a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, one of the groups behind the event.

Alisa Reznick/KJZZ

“There’s been a grassroots call for a sick out, to basically not show up to work and to engage in lots of different ways to kind of show resistance,” Mouzioui said.

Mouzioui and other group members had a table with information about the deportation campaign and other Trump policies, along with cards listing Know Your Rights information and the rapid response hotline number.

Brinley Carrillo, another Party for Socialism and Liberation member, said rapid response volunteers are trained to oversee ICE activity and ask questions, like whether agents have a warrant.

“If anyone sees any kind of prolonged interaction with ICE or Border Patrol, they can give that phone number a call and we’ll have trained observers come out to ensure that the arrest is being documented and people’s rights are being upheld,” Carrillo said.

The event comes just as U.S. Senate lawmakers advance President Donald Trump’s so-called "Big, Beautiful Bill." If passed, the legislation would give ICE a $45 million detention budget for adults and families.