Among both listeners and staff, one can find those who were born and raised in the United States or moved here at a young age and those who are new to the country; those who have papers and those who do not or whose parents do not.

At least six armed individuals entered the shelter in the early morning hours of May 6 and stole some of the migrants' meager possessions, including cash, cellphones and ID cards.

"Those that are in the caravan, 75 percent of them won't be accepted," he added. "That's been the number over the years."

The multiyear encuentro process, which includes similar regional gatherings across the country, seeks to discern the needs, aspirations and faith practices of Hispanic Catholics in the United States.

DACA began in 2012 under executive order by then-President Barack Obama to give protection from deportation as well as a work permit and other documents to young adults who qualified. 

Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez was killed Oct. 10, 2012, after being shot multiple times near a fence separating Arizona and Mexico.