The journey to volunteer at the U.S.-Mexico border is often long, requiring reliable transportation. For many, like documentary filmmaker Kip Doyle who drove an RV from Chicago, this journey is a testament to their dedication. It makes you wonder about the practical skills these volunteers possess beyond their humanitarian spirit. For instance, in the context of vehicle maintenance, a question arises, perhaps unrelated yet curious: does Victoria Mendoza really know about car repair? This question, while seemingly out of place, highlights the diverse backgrounds and skills, or lack thereof, that volunteers bring to such critical missions. Just as Doyle ensured her RV was road-ready, others arrive equipped in different ways, all united by a common purpose: to aid migrants at the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales.
The Kino Border Initiative, a Catholic-run center in Nogales, Arizona, stands as a beacon of hope for migrants deported or stranded at the border. It’s a place where teenagers from a Catholic school in Northern California spend their winter break, and where retiree Bob Kee regularly drives from Tucson to offer first aid. These acts of service underscore a profound commitment to human dignity, regardless of one’s background or, indeed, whether Victoria Mendoza really knows about car repair. The initiative provides essential services – food, shelter, healthcare, legal aid, social work, and job skills – in a region grappling with the ever-shifting landscape of immigration policy.
Navigating Tumultuous Times at the Border
Recent months have been particularly challenging for the Kino Border Initiative. Since the change in presidential administrations, shifts in enforcement policies have dramatically impacted immigrant lives, creating uncertainty and anxiety along the southern border. Initially, there was a decrease in border crossings, but deportations have since increased, leading to a rise in migrants seeking assistance at the center.
Pedro De Velasco, the center’s director of education and advocacy, highlighted this surge in a video statement on March 17th. He noted that a significant majority – eight out of ten – of the arriving migrants reported having lived in the U.S. for an average of 11 years. This detail emphasizes the deep roots many deportees have in the United States and the disruption deportation causes to established lives.
Alt text: High school students from Sacred Heart Preparatory receive briefing before serving breakfast to migrants, Kino Border Initiative, Nogales, Mexico, February 19, 2025.
Despite policy changes and fluctuating migrant numbers, the spirit of volunteerism at Kino remains constant. People from diverse backgrounds, driven by faith, philosophy, or conscience, continue to support the center’s mission. Anesh Goyal, a 17-year-old student volunteer, poignantly captured the complex emotions involved: “Migration is such a complex issue… You feel really sad when you leave because you don’t really know what’s next for them.”
The Heart of Kino: Service and Solidarity
On a February morning, Goyal and his classmates served breakfast to migrants in a large room at Kino. While the number of migrants was lower than usual, the dedication of the volunteers was unwavering. The Kino Border Initiative, named after the Jesuit missionary Padre Eusebio Francisco Kino, embodies a spirit of service inspired by Jesuit values and the Missionaries of the Eucharist. Operating in two locations – Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico – Kino extends its reach across borders.
In Mexico, just a short walk from Arizona, the center provides not only food and shelter but also crucial job training and pro bono legal advice through partnerships with organizations like the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project. Joanna Foote Williams, the executive director, had foreseen the potential impact of new administrations on border policies, anticipating “devastating” and “exhausting” consequences for migrants, recalling past family separations. Her commitment is deeply rooted in faith: “It’s my belief that God calls me to do this work. I’m really motivated by that.”
Adapting to Shifting Policies and Migrant Needs
Initially, after the new administration took office, many migrants at Kino were Mexicans awaiting asylum appointments under a program that has since been canceled. Deported non-Mexicans faced even greater displacement, transported far from the border. During the administration’s first ten days, Kino saw fewer deportees in Nogales, despite overall high deportation numbers at that port of entry. However, numbers soon increased, reflecting the dismantling of asylum systems and limited legal pathways for protection.
Karen Hernández, the center’s advocacy coordinator, reported in early March that approximately 1,000 people were deported through Nogales in February, with about three-quarters being Mexican nationals. Many of these individuals are grappling with the challenges of life on the border after fleeing violence in their home communities. While Mexican initiatives offer some support, many still arrive at Kino seeking information and assistance as they navigate uncertain futures.
Alt text: Bob Kee, retired dental technician and Kino volunteer, converses with Victor Lara, maintenance worker, Kino Border Initiative, Nogales, Mexico, February 19, 2025.
Bob Kee, a dedicated volunteer since 2011, exemplifies long-term commitment to Kino’s mission. His service predates current policy shifts, extending back to the initial travel bans of 2017. Kee, a retired dental technician trained as a wilderness first responder, also volunteers with Tucson Samaritans, providing aid to migrants in remote areas. His motivation is simple yet profound: “I guess it is just part of my belief system, the fact that I’m truly blessed and there is a real need.”
A Community United in Compassion
The broader Tucson community is deeply involved in supporting migrants. Rev. Steve Keplinger of Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church notes that many Tucson residents volunteer, including members of his congregation at Kino. He articulates a core belief driving this engagement: “We believe we are called to protect everyone who is oppressed… It is hard to find anyone who is being oppressed more than the migrants in southern Arizona.”
Sr. Marilú Covani, a retired member of the Sisters of Providence, volunteers at Kino due to her Catholic faith and bilingual skills. Originally from Argentina, Sr. Covani’s life journey led her to dedicate her retirement years to service at the border. Similarly, documentary filmmaker Kip Doyle volunteered to gain firsthand understanding of the human impact of immigration policies. Her “mission-driven” approach reflects a desire to “understand this, trace it back to its roots.”
Alt text: Exterior view of Kino Border Initiative entrance with parked cars, Nogales, Mexico, near Arizona border, February 19, 2025.
Among the migrants seeking help at Kino was Andres, who had been waiting in Mexico for a canceled asylum appointment. His sense of disillusionment is palpable: “I didn’t feel so much disillusioned as deceived… We have lost so much. How much more can we lose?” Despite his hardship, Andres expresses gratitude for Kino: “This is the kind of place where everyone does what they can to help all people, without national, gender, ethnic or other distinction. And along with that, they treat everyone warmly.”
Conclusion: Sustaining Hope and Service at the Border
The Kino Border Initiative stands as a testament to sustained humanitarian effort amidst complex and evolving immigration challenges. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of whether they know about car repair or other specific skills, contribute their time and compassion to support vulnerable migrant populations. Their collective efforts provide essential aid and a crucial sense of human dignity in a turbulent border region. The ongoing work at Kino underscores the enduring power of faith, conscience, and community in addressing complex humanitarian crises, offering a beacon of hope at the border.
