Tucson Region

Entrant-helping case is targeted

Members of the local No More Deaths movement are launching a campaign against the U.S. attorney for Arizona, asking that charges be dropped in the case of two aid workers charged with illegally transporting undocumented immigrants. Officials with the faith-based movement, which offers food, water and medical assistance to people who illegally enter the United States from Mexico by foot, plan on gathering at least 10,000 signatures on postcards they will send to U.S. Attorney for Arizona Paul K. Charlton. No More Deaths members want Charlton to drop alien transportation charges against Shanti A. Sellz and Daniel M. Strauss, who are scheduled to go to trial in Tucson on Dec. 20. "We need to let Paul Charlton know there was a mistake made July 9," said Margo Cowan, a local lawyer working with No More Deaths. "Shanti and Daniel are on trial but it's the principle that's on trial. These young people should not have to face these charges." Sandy Raynor, a spokeswoman for Charlton's office, said Wednesday that she had no knowledge of the campaign. She said Sellz and Strauss were indicted by a federal grand jury and that the U.S. Attorney's Office is proceeding with the case based on the indictment. Sellz and Strauss, both 23, were arrested July 9 with three illegal entrants in their vehicle. The two were charged with one count each of transporting an illegal alien and conspiracy to transport an illegal alien. They said they were taking the men to a church for medical care. But Border Patrol officials said the men weren't ill and refused medical aid once in custody. The pair turned down a plea offer from the government, saying that saving lives is nothing to feel guilty about. The No More Deaths effort is being called "Humanitarian Aid is Never a Crime." More than 100 people gathered at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St., on Wednesday to shore up support for the campaign, and gatherings are planned every Wednesday until the trial. Sellz, who has relocated from Colorado and New Mexico to Tucson, was at Southside for the campaign launching and earned a standing ovation from those in attendance. Strauss is living in San Francisco.