Day 66 (Wednesday, August 16)

© The Associated Press

I spent a lot of time at the church today. As a matter of fact, I was there from 8 a.m. until the church closed its gate at 2:30 a.m.

© The Associated Press

Yesterday the story was pretty big at the local level, but today the story jumped to national status. All the major news networks packed into the small church as Elvira addressed the media. She had interviews with Univision's Primer Impacto, a major news show, and she also had a 1 a.m. live broadcast to the Los Angeles' Telemundo news show. Pretty much, her day was filled w/ interviews.

© The Associated Press

As I hung out I got a chance to finally meet Abel Uribe, the Chicago Tribune photographer who I have been wanting to meet for quite a while now. Earlier this summer his photos came out in the Chicago Tribune magazine showing the story of a few high school students who are having trouble getting into college because they are undocumented immigrants. Since immigration stories are my passion, I really wanted to meet Abel.

© The Associated Press

My shift today was from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Obviously, I spent quite a bit of extra time there -- on my own. In the last 48 hours I have become real interested in the story and I don't mind spending all my free time at the church while making sure I do a complete job.
Seeing Abel's photos in the magazine a few weeks ago inspired me. So, since he's around, I am trying to learn how he does his job. I also want to be around because I don't want to miss a key photo just because I am not there.

So, I hung out and talked to members of Pueblo Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders), one of the activist organizations that are supporting Elvira Arellano. I made some connections and I was able to understand the story a little more.

Able and I took a slight break from talking w/ those in sight and headed next door to have dinner. Humbolt Park is Puerto Rico Town and you know you are there because the entrances to this strip on Division Street features a large steel Puerto Rico flag on each end. The business also flaunt the red, white and blue flags. Children walk around with shirts and pants with Puerto Rico air brushed or sown onto the texture. Salsa music is heard on almost every small, family-owned restaurants. Down the way Cafe Colao gives a warm, dark feeling perfect to avoid the heat. Inside, the selection of sandwiches runs from turkey to steak and the aroma of coffee is bound to wake up an appetite.
A lady walks by pushing a ice cream cart that's decorated with colorful beads all along the surface. Kids run across the street and chase after her and her shaved ice treats. Further down, a small shop doubles as convenience store and sandwich bar. Cubs vs.

Sox icons are all over the store w/ one celebrating an 8-0 Cubs victory.
Being in Humbolt Park gives an impression of being in San Juan, or so I'd like to believe.
It's the home away from home for most Puerto Ricans living in Chicago. And for now, it's the home of Mexican national Elvira Arellano, seeking a way to maintain her living situation in the U.S. while trying to be a successful single mother of a 7-year-old U.S. citizen.

Day came and went and for the second day, the front door was held tightly secured w/ a chain and lock. Elvira Arellano's safety for the time being is the only thing supporters are thinking about. They are not sleeping. They are not going to work. They are making sure their attempt to keep Elvira Arellano in the U.S. is successful.
 

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