Woman returns home after months in sanctuary at AZ church

Rosa Robles Loreto receives blessing before leaving sanctuary Wednesday. (Source: Tucson News... — Rosa Robles Loreto receives blessing before leaving sanctuary Wednesday. (Source: Tucson News Now)

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - A woman who was in sanctuary for more than 15 months returned to her Tucson home on Nov. 11 after fighting to stay with her family, and receiving support from thousands.

Rosa Robles Loreto left Southside Presbyterian Church just before noon, jostled by media cameras and followed by several hundred supporters who filled the church.

In a brief statement before she left, which was translated by a church interpreter, she thanked God, the community and political supporters.

Her attorney, longtime Tucson activist Margo Cowan, said the Robles case is "only the beginning" and that "we won't stop until nobody in America has to live in fear."

Robles was honored during an informal lunch reception following a ceremony in the church.

Robles came to the United States legally on a visa, but overstayed it.

Cowan, while not revealing the details of the government agreement for her release, suggested it may deal with the fact that overstaying a visa is an "administrative violation."

Cowan said she believes the case sets a precedent.

"There are moms and dads all across the country that are following Rosa's example," Cowan said. "The example is, 'I'm not leaving.'"

Robles was told to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be deported more than 15 months ago. In August 2014, she entered sanctuary at the church.

During those 15 months, more than 18,000 people took action to declare their support for Robles.

More than 9,500 local homes and businesses placed signs declaring "We Stand with Rosa" in their windows.

Additionally, more than 7,000 emails and phone calls, along with petitions and letters from more than 5,000 individuals have flooded DHS headquarters calling for Robles' deportation to be stopped.

"Rosa has put a lot of heart into the community and regardless of her legal status, she deserves to be here," a Robles' spokesperson said.

A news release stated:

"Rosa looks forward to returning home with her family. She expects to be cheering for her sons at their baseball games and attending mass at Santa Monica Parish as she re-establishes aspects of her life that have been on hold for the last 15 months."