Art Offers Refuge to Migrant Families Facing Deportation Fears in Arizona

Art has become a sanctuary for migrant families in Arizona living with the constant fear of deportation. The "La Ristra" program brings painting classes directly to their homes, offering a respite from the immigration policies of the Trump administration.

"The immigrant community is under a lot of pressure, great anguish, and they feel powerless because these are external forces they cannot control," said Tita Flores, founder and director of the program. Founded in 2025 and funded by donations, the project began in a Tucson church amid an increase in raids by immigration agents.

As immigration enforcement presence grew near schools and shopping centers, Flores explained, the program adapted. "We now go to their homes, bringing the necessary materials for children and parents to work," she said. She noted that families often accept the offer primarily for their children, who may not fully grasp their parents' situation. "Through drawings, strokes, colors, children find a way to express themselves, and the same happens with parents," Flores stated.

Flores has observed positive changes in children after the classes, reporting improved behavior, better school attention, and enhanced parent-child relationships. This initiative comes as migrant arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have surged, with nearly 43,000 arrests in June alone, a record for the second Trump administration. In Arizona, migrant arrests tripled in 2025, exceeding 6,000, making it the seventh-highest state for such arrests.

Amidst this climate of "psychological terror" caused by immigration operations, Flores emphasizes the critical need for mental health support for affected families. While legal and financial aid for rent and food are essential, emotional accompaniment is equally vital to cope with the pressure and fear. "Beauty is free, art is another way to feed the soul, sometimes it is the greatest motivation to alleviate our spirit," Flores said. One beneficiary, Irma, an immigrant from Mexico, shared how the program helped her children express their feelings.