Papers, 1979-1989. This collection contains Miriam Davidson's
manuscripts and research files for her 1988 book,Convictions of the Heart regarding the
1980's Sanctuary Movement and Trial. Materials include several drafts of the book and
Davidson's research materials, the bulk of which include: news clippings, Davidson's
trial notes, Sanctuary Movement materials, and cassette tape recordings of Davidson's
interviews with various members of the Movement and Trial. The majority of the material
is in English, some is in Spanish.
Collection Number:
MS 433
Language:
Materials are in English.
Repository:
University of Arizona Libraries, Special Collections
University of Arizona
PO Box 210055
Tucson, AZ 85721-0055
Phone: 520-621-6423
Fax: 520-621-9733
URL: http://speccoll.library.arizona.edu/
E-Mail: LBRY-askspcoll@email.arizona.edu
Biographical Note
Miriam Davidson (b.1960) grew up in the Boston, Massachusetts, area and became a Quaker
when she was eleven years old. She graduated from Yale University in 1982 with a B.A. in
English and later earned her master's degree in international journalism from the
University of Southern California. Davidson has worked as a reporter, editor, journalism
professor, freelance writer, and author. In 1982 she moved to Texas and worked as a
reporter and Lifestyle editor for the Laredo News and later served as managing editor of
Third Coast magazine. Davidson was a University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, adjunct
professor of journalism, 1988-89. From 1993-1996, she worked for the Arizona Republic in
Phoenix, Arizona, as a correspondent covering Tucson and Nogales. As a freelance
journalist her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor,
The Nation, the NACLA Report on the Americas, and The Progressive. Davidson’s books
include Convictions of the Heart: Jim Corbett and the Sanctuary Movement (1988), Lives
on the Line: Dispatches from the U.S.-Mexico Border with photographs by Jeffry Scott
(2000), and The Beloved Border: Humanity and Hope in a Contested Land (2021).
The bulk
of Davidson's work has been on the U.S.-Mexico border. In 1985, she moved from Texas to
Tucson, Arizona, to cover the Sanctuary Movement and subsequent trial. She covered the
trial for the Christian Science Monitor and the Religious News Service; her book,
Convictions of the Heart was published by the University of Arizona press in 1988. The
Sanctuary Movement originated in Tucson, Arizona, during the early 1980s as a means of
aid to Central American refugees, especially people fleeing from the political violence
in El Salvador and Guatemala. Jim Corbett (1933-2001) along with the Tucson Ecumenical
Council, Rev. John Fife (b. 1940), and his congregation declared sanctuary for the
refugees. The grass roots movement soon became a national movement with churches all
over the United States declaring sanctuary. In 1985, sixteen activists were indicted,
eleven - including Corbett and Fife - went to trial and eight were convicted of alien
smuggling and other charges. Although the trial ended in 1986, the movement itself has
continued and evolved over the past twenty-five years in its original mission to aid
refugees.
Scope and Content Note
Papers, 1979-1989. This collection contains Miriam Davidson's manuscripts and research
files for her 1988 book, Convictions of the Heart: Jim Corbett and the Sanctuary
Movement regarding the early 1980's Sanctuary Movement, which aided Central American
political refugees, and the 1985-1986 Trial held in Tucson, Arizona. Materials include
several drafts of the book and Davidson's research materials, the bulk of which include:
news clippings, Davidson's trial notes, Sanctuary Movement materials, and cassette tape
recordings of Davidson's interviews with various members of the Movement and Trial; the
bulk of the interviews are with Jim Corbett. The majority of the material is in English,
some is in Spanish.
Use of original audio visual materials is restricted due to their fragile nature.
Copyright
It is the responsibility of the user to obtain permission to publish from the owner of
the copyright (the institution, the creator of the record, the author or his/her
transferees, heirs, legates, or literary executors). The user agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Arizona Board of Regents for the University of Arizona, its officers,
employees, and agents from and against all claims made by any person asserting that he
or she is an owner of copyright.
Subseries 1: Printed Materials, 1980-1989
Arrangement: Alphabetical. This subseries contains printed materials such as
essays/statements, government documents, magazine and news clippings, as well
as newsletters and pamphlets pertaining to the Sanctuary Movement and Trial as
well as materials relating to Central America and immigration issues in
general. More printed materials, specifically magazines and newspapers, can be
found in Series IV: Oversize Materials.
Subseries 2: Subject Files, 1979-1987 Arrangement:
Alphabetical. This subseries contains materials grouped by topic based on
Davidson's original organization. Materials include Davidson's notes, news
clippings, articles, newsletters, some legal materials, and information packets
regarding refugee stories. The bulk of the material is Davison's Trial Notes;
she was in court for the duration of the Sanctuary Trial. In most cases,
original folder titles have been retained. More subject files materials,
specifically regarding John Fife, can be found in Series IV: Oversize
Materials.
Essays/Statements - "The Politics of Sanctuary" by Miriam
Davidson., 1985
1
19
Essays/Statements - "Some Proposals for Integrating Smuggling,
Refuge, Relay, Sanctuary, and Bailbond Networks, January-February, '84 (for
consideration by the Tucson refugee support groups).", 1984
1
20
Essays/Statements - Talk in Austin, Oct. 28, 1982., 1982
1
21
Essays/Statements - "Unindicted co-Conspirators: A Position
Paper.", 1985
1
22
Essays/Statements - "A View from the Border.", 1984
1
23
Government Materials - Bill - Central American Studies and Temporary
Relief Act., 1987
1
24
Government Materials - Briefing Reports - Asylum and Illegal
Aliens., 1987
1
25
Government Materials - Congressional Records - House., 1987-1988
1
26
Government Materials - Correspondence., undated, 1987-1988
1
27
Government Materials - Miscellaneous., undated, 1980-1989
1
28
Magazines., 1984-1987
1
29
Magazine Articles and Clippings., undated, 1984-1988
Use of original audio visual materials is restricted due to their fragile nature.
Audio cassettes in this collection have been digitized for research access. Please
contact Special Collections for more information.
Arrangement: Alphabetical. This series contains the taped interviews conducted by
Davidson of various members involved in the Sanctuary Movement and Trial. The
majority of the tapes are Davidson's interviews with Jim Corbett. Two tapes
include a recording of a service that took place on March 24, 1982 in Southside
United Presbyterian Church.
Although most of the tapes are undated, the interviews took place at some point
between 1985-1987. The alphabetical arrangement is based on the interviewee's last
name; although two different people may be on the same tape, the arrangement is
based on the interview recorded on Tape Side A. Note that the titles listed are based on the overall subject matter
discussed during the interview and do not necessarily reflect the tapes' original
titles. Also note, the job positions listed were those at the time of the
interview or positions of significance during the early 1980's Sanctuary
Movement.
Existence and Location of Copies
All of the audio cassettes have been digitized for research access. Please contact
Special Collections for more information.
box
tape
3
1
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1986-03-16
1 Audio cassettes
61 minutes, 8 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses his time as a goat rancher in Baja Mexico and what
he was doing in May of 1981, his family background, and education. Side 2 Jim
Corbett discusses his religious background and beliefs while growing up, his
higher education, time in the army, failed marriage, and interest in
philosophy. Corbett describes how he came to identify with Quakerism
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
2
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1986-05
1 Audio cassettes
31 minutes, 27 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses bringing goat ranchers from Mexico to the Pima
County Fair in 1981 and becoming interested in aiding undocumented immigrants.
Side 2 Jim Corbett completes a story from Side 1 about an undocumented
immigrant disguising herself to avoid immigration authorities.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
3
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1986-08-03
1 Audio cassettes
62 minutes, 2 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses his concerns about the Vietnam War in 1965, his
diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and involvement with the anti-Vietnam War
movement. Side 2 Jim Corbett discusses his involvement with the Sanctuary
Movement in the early 1980s, assisting Central American refugees in crossing
the border into the United States.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
4
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side1), Lupe Castillo
Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 2), 1986 1986-06
1 Audio cassettes
87 minutes, 22 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses his involvement with the Sanctuary Movement in the
early 1980s, assisting Central American refugees in crossing the border into
the United States. Side 2 Lupe Castillo discusses her involvement with the
Sanctuary Movement in the early 1980s, assisting Central American refugees in
crossing the border into the United States.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
5
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1986-08
1 Audio cassettes
41 minutes, 39 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses his involvement with the Sanctuary Movement in the
early 1980s, aiding refugees on the border of Guatemala and Mexico, and the
conditions and situations faced by refugees fleeing into Mexico and the United
States. Side 2 Corbett discusses his travels to the border of Guatemala and
Mexico and assessing the conditions facing refugees.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
6
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1986-05
1 Audio cassettes
92 minutes, 7 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discussing prison conditions for male and female refugees in
Mexico. Side 2 The Sanctuary Movement and activities, as well as the Sanctuary
Trial and the aftermath. Corbett also discusses his work since the trial.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
7
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, undated
1 Audio cassettes
88 minutes, 3 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side1 Jim Corbett discusses the events of the day of his indictment and gives
his thoughts on informant Jesus Cruz. He discusses the similarities and
differences between the Chicago and Tucson Sanctuary Movements. Corbett also
discusses Coyote involvement in transporting refugees and the issue of the
violation of international law within Sanctuary Movement. Side 2 Jim Corbett
discusses working with lawyers during Sanctuary Trial and strategies employed
by the defense. Corbett discusses at length the way U.S. laws work and the
burden to prove reasonable doubt in cases. The selection of jurors for the
Sanctuary Trial is scrutinized and his optimism for an acquittal or hung jury.
Corbett again discusses his knowledge of the indictment and gives his views on
feminist views and approach to the Sanctuary Movement.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
8
Jim Corbett Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1987-02
1 Audio cassettes
33 minutes, 41 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Corbett discusses his thoughts on Central American governments
engaging in civil war and acts of terrorism and torture as means of
intimidation. Corbett provides opinions on United States policy regarding
Salvadoran and Guatemala refugees and the influence the United States has on
Central American politics. Corbett also discusses other Sanctuary Trial cases
and the state of his health after his indictment. He discusses his trial and
how the United States government approaches political trials differently from
criminal trials. He then discusses the bias of Judge Earl Carroll during
Sanctuary Trail proceedings and the influence he had over the jurors. Miriam
Davidson finishes the interview with a discussion of her manuscript.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
9
Jim Dudley Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 1, side 2), Jim Corbett
Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 2), 1985-08-01
1 Audio cassettes
93 minutes, 39 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Jim Dudley talks about his experiences picking up a Salvadoran refugee
who was hitchhiking in Southern Arizona after crossing the U.S. Mexico border
illegally. He details his experience being stopped and interrogated by the U.S.
Border Patrol for picking up the hitchhiker and gives his views on the
immigration experience He also discusses the work in Mexico done by Quaker
organizations to build houses and other structures and his involvement therein.
Dudley also discusses his relationship and meetings with Jim Corbett. Side 2
00:00-31:44 Dudley continues his discussion about Central America and his
experience picking up the Salvadoran hitchhiker. He details Quaker meetings in
New Mexico and the Sanctuary Movement in New Mexico. 31:55-46:49 Jim Corbett
discusses Jesus Cruz and suspicion within the Sanctuary Movement that he was a
U.S. government informant. He also discusses his personal conservative
political views versus Judge Earl Carroll's positivist views.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
10
John Fife Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, undated
1 Audio cassettes
86 minutes, 39 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 John Fife discussing his work prior to becoming involved in the
Sanctuary Movement, and how his involvement came to be. Side 2 John Fife
discussing his sanctuary work and his thoughts on Jim Corbett and Bill
Johnston. Corbett discusses his thoughts on the legality of the Sanctuary
Movement.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
11
John Fife Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1987-02-03
1 Audio cassettes
92 minutes, 42 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 John Fife discussing the background leading up to his involvement with
the Sanctuary Movement, and the indictments relating to the Sanctuary Trial as
well as the trial itself. Side 2 John Fife discussing legislation in the United
States relating to the refugee situation, continuation of his work and his
thoughts post-trial. Beginning at 21:00 Jim Corbett discussing various topics
relating to the Sanctuary Movement and answering clarification questions for
Davidson's book.
Side 1 Marianne Fife discussing her perspective on the Sanctuary Movement, her
husband John Fife's position with Southside Church and the effect of their work
with the Movement on their family life. Side 2 Marianne Fife discussing the day
of the Tucson Sanctuary Trial verdict and sentencing, meeting Bill Moyers and
and Moyers' analysis of the refugee situation.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
13
Robert Hirsh Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, 1987
1 Audio cassettes
60 minutes, 4 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Robert Hirsh, John Fife's defense lawyer during the Sanctuary Trial,
discusses jury selection for the trial and gives his opinions of jurors and the
power struggle among jurors. He also gives his thoughts on pretrial activities
of prosecutor Donald Reno and Judge Carroll. He discusses portions of audio
tapes not admissible as evidence and his thoughts on the strategy of the
defense and the likelihood of acquittal by proving reasonable doubt. Side 2
Robert Hirsh continues the interview with a discussion of the influence juror
Carol Shaeffer and other female jurors had on the jury. He discusses the errors
in the defense's strategy and what he would have changed in retrospect. Also
discusses is how the defense was surprised by the guilty verdict and gives his
personal reaction to the overall trial. Hirsh discusses the bias of Judge Earl
Carroll throughout the trial and gives his overall thoughts of the trial and
how it affected his views of the judicial process.
Side 1 Ken Kennon discusses his background as pastor at Broadway Christian
Church starting in January 1978. He talks about being a member of the TEC Task
Force on Central America and its function within the Sanctuary Movement. He
details the split within the congregation at his church about supporting the
Sanctuary Movement and reactions by church members for his involvement in the
movement. He describes his feelings about the Sanctuary Movement going public
and if it would change the U.S. refugee policy. He also talks about discussing
the plight of Central American refugees with Arizona politicians Dennis
DeConcini and Mo Udall and their subsequent lack of support. Side 2 00:00-21:09
Ken Kennon interview continues with him talking about Director of the Tucson
INS office Bill Johnston's views of the Sanctuary Movement. He also describes
the conditions at the Service Processing Center at El Centro and treatment of
Salvadoran detainees. 21:10-35:36 March 24, 1982 Southside United Presbyterian
church service for a Salvadoran refugee.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
15
Barry Lazarus Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 1), Jim Corbett
Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 2), 1986-11 undated
1 Audio cassettes
85 minutes, 51 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Barry Lazarus discusses his arrest by the United States Border Patrol
for transporting a Salvadoran refugee on February 2, 1981. He also discusses
the days following his arrest and discussions he had with Jim Corbett and other
members of the Sanctuary Movement. Side 2 Jim Corbett discusses joint TEC Task
Force on Central America and Tucson refugee support group (Tsrg) meetings,
their respective missions, and the relationship between the two organizations.
He discusses the Naco Five incident, the ORDEN organization, and his larger
perception of the Sanctuary Movement and his involvement. He also gives his
thoughts on the Sanctuary Trial and its purpose. He details his personal
impressions of Judge Earl Carroll and his opinion of the lawyers, the
sentencing handed down, and the defense lawyers' reaction to Sanctuary
Movement's work to aid refugees while the trial was happening. He describes the
relationship between the Tucson and Chicago Sanctuary Movement chapters and how
the two contrast. He also discusses Judge Earl Carroll's decision not to
imprison Sanctuary Movement members who were found guilty and how the Sanctuary
Movement and trial affected him.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
16
Tim Nonn Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 1), Gary MacEoin
Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 2), 1985-08-26 undated
1 Audio cassettes
69 minutes, 53 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Tim Nonn discusses how he got involved in the Sanctuary Movement and
working at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church. He discusses working with Gary
MacEoin to establish the Tucson Ecumenical Church (TEC) Task Force on Central
America his role as Project Director from 1981-1982. He talks about meeting Jim
Corbett at the June 1981 meeting in Picture Rocks, AZ where Sanctuary Movement
members decided to support mass bail out of refugees detained at the Service
Processing Center at El Centro. He also discusses the members of the TEC Task
Force on Central America and its mission and how it worked with MANZO to bail
Central American refugees detained at the Service Processing Center at El
Centro. He discusses the meeting held in John Fife's living room and the
decision by Sanctuary Movement members to declare sanctuary. He discusses the
work he did after he decided to leave the Sanctuary Movement. He also discusses
the five U.S. cities that declared sanctuary and the work he did with churches
in those cities including contacting local media to discuss the Sanctuary
Movement. He discusses his hope that the Sanctuary Movement would make the U.S
Government aware of the Central American refugees crisis and effect policy
change and the uncertainty of the reaction by the U.S. government and the INS
to declaring sanctuary. Side 2 Gary MacEoin discusses when he moved to Tucson
and his relationship with Dave Sholin. Volume from 03:29-15:37 is extremely low
and content is inaudible. 15:38 He continues the discussion about his
involvement in the Sanctuary Movement and as member of the Gang of Four. He
discusses the June 1981 meeting at Picture Rocks, AZ and a refugee who was
involved in early Tucson Ecumenical Council (TEC) meetings. He discusses his
thoughts on the December meeting where sanctuary was declared and how it would
aid refugees. He closes the interview by discussing his book, No Promised Land
and when members of the Sanctuary Movement became aware that the INS was
violating International Law.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
17
March 24, 1982 Southside United Presbyterian Church Service (side 1),
Dave Sholin Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 1, side 2), 1982-03-24 undated
1 Audio cassettes
63 minutes, 14 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 00:00-00:41 Unidentified news report on Washington D.C. 00:42-07:31 Part
1 of David Sholin Interview with Miriam Davidson. Sholin discusses establishing
the Sanctuary Movement and its members. 07:32-08:05 Interview with unidentified
man. 08:06-31:50 Southside United Presbyterian Church service about providing
sanctuary to Central American refugees held in Anniversary of Archbishop Oscar
Arnulfo Romero's Death. Side 2 Part 2 of David Sholin interview with Miriam
Davidson. He continues his discussion about Sanctuary Movement members. He also
discusses his work to establish the Tucson Ecumenical Church (TEC) Task Force
on Central America and his history working with refugees. He talks about the
role Jim Corbett and Gary MacEoin had in the Sanctuary Movement and the work he
did with Gary MacEoin in the 1970s to get Chilean refugees into the United
States. He finishes the interview by again talking about the formation of the
TEC Task Force on Central America.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
18
Frank Shutts Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 1, side 2), Bill
Johnston Interviewed by Miriam Davidson (side 2), 1986-06 1986
1 Audio cassettes
92 minutes, 41 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Frank Shutts discusses the May 4, 1981 meeting he had with Jim Corbett
and Jim Dudley. He discusses the conversation they had regarding Dudley's
arrest and interrogation by the U.S. Border Patrol for transporting a
Salvadoran refugee hitchhiker. His also discusses the activities of El Centro
de Paz as well as its history and mission and his role within the organization.
Side 2 00:00-10:24 Frank Shutts continues his discussion about Jim Dudley's
arrest. 10:25-45:31 Bill Johnston, Director of the Tucson INS office, discusses
the June 26, 1981 arrest of the three Salvadoran refugees whom Jim Corbett was
aiding in seeking asylum. Johnston also discusses INS policy and the 1980
Refugee At. He ends the interview with sharing his thoughts on the Sanctuary
Movement and its members, particularly Jim Corbett.
Existence and Location of Copies
.mp3 access copy
3
19
Mike Smith Interviewed by Miriam Davidson, undated
1 Audio cassettes
35 minutes, 38 seconds
Scope and Contents
Side 1 Mike Smith, Assistant pastor at St. Mark's and appointed President of
the Tucson Ecumenical Council (TEC) in 1981 discusses his appointment as
Chairman of the TEC Task Force on Central America. Smith also discusses the
first TEC Task Force on Central American meeting in Picture Rocks, AZ. He also
names members of the Sanctuary Movement and how the movement formed. He
describes the mission of the Sanctuary Movement and what led to the formation
of the TEC Task Force on Central America. He describes the conditions of the
Service Processing Center at El Centro and efforts by the Sanctuary Movement to
provide legal services and fundraising to aid refugees detained there. He also
discusses the symbolic nature of the Sanctuary Movement going public to show
the plight of refugees and how the United States government was not helping
them according to international law and subsequent reaction by the INS. Also
discussed is why Southside United Presbyterian Church declared sanctuary before
St. Mark's Presbyterian Church and what ultimately led to St. Mark's declaring
sanctuary. Side 2 Mike Smith continues the interview by discussing how St.
Mark's worked to promote political change and John Fife's methods of using the
Sanctuary Movement to bring about political change in the United States.