Isabel Garcia

Isabel Garcia is the co-chair of the Coalición de Derechos Humanos, a grassroots organization based in Tucson, Arizona, that promotes respect for human and civil rights and fights the militarization of the border region in the American Southwest. She is also the legal defender of Pima County, Arizona. Garcia has been at the forefront of immigrant and refugee rights since 1976. As a lead speaker on behalf of Derechos Humanos, Garcia holds press conferences and interviews, hosts media crews, leads demonstrations, weekly vigils, symposiums, and marches to draw attention to the unjust policies and inhumane treatment of immigrants. She works to counter anti-immigrant hysteria and to change stereotypes and misinformation about immigrants. Garcia has received many awards for her work, including the 2006 National Human Rights Award from the Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos de México.

“Immigration policy has been a total failure and needs to be changed. It has not prevented people from attempting to cross the border but has put the lives of thousands of men, women, and children in serious danger. Their deaths are the direct result of U.S. policy.”

Awards and Recognition

(link) The Moca Local Genius Award, 2020
(link) MIJ Human Rights Advocacy Award, 2018
(link) Cultural Freedom Award, 2008
(link) National Human Rights Award, Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos de México (2006)
(link) Chicanas Chingonas (listing)

Articles

(link) Community, family members hold vigil for man who died in Tucson police custody (6/26/2020)
(link) County legal defender Garcia retiring (5/25/2015)

Videos

(YouTube video) Immigration, Arizona, and Fighting Joe Arpaio (04/29/2009)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia- Coalición de los DDHH Tucson, Arizona (01/01/2010)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia on Hate Speech (03/19/2010)
(YouTube video) Anti Invader Law SB 1070 Pro Invasion Isabel Garcia vs Arizona Russell Pearce (04/22/2010)
(YouTube video) Tucson Rally with Activist Isabel Garcia 4.23.10 (4/29/2010)
(YouTube video) Ya Basta Friday Stop SB 1070-Voices from the AZ Struggle (07/12/2010)
(YouTube video) Federal Judge Blocks Key Provisions of Arizona Anti-Immigrant Law 2 (07/29/2010)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia vs Ruth McClung (10/16/2010)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia Indoctrinating University of Arizona Students on the DREAM Act (12/10/2010)
(YouTube video) TUSD 12-10 Meeting-Isabel Garcia (12/15/2010)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia, PT. 1, ABOR Rally December 9, 2010 (12/17/2010)
(YouTube video) Isabel Garcia, Pt. 2, ABOR Rally December 9, 2010 (12/17/2010)
(YouTube video) Pima County Defense Atty Isabel Garcia Speaks on Shooting and Rhetoric (1/10/2011)
(YouTube video) Tucson AZ Solidarity Action with Postal Workers (06/28/2012)