Tucson sanctuary church preps for deportations

Published: Dec. 30, 2015 at 11:09 PM MST|Updated: Feb. 25, 2016 at 12:55 AM MST
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TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Immigration activists and members of the sanctuary movement across the country are preparing for a new wave of deportations in the new year.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the raids will focus on families who have not been gr anted asylum after they fled to the United States from Central America last year.

Some in southern Arizona worry that this move will split up families.

Reverend Alison Harrington at Southside Presbyterian United said she's already heard concern from families who are afraid to leave their homes to visit loved ones for the holiday out of fear of being mixed up in a raid.

"There is definitely a pastoral response that we have to do to come alongside people and try to, in any way we can, combat the fear that they might have," she said.

Anyone targeted by the deportations would already have been denied a stay in the country by a judge, according to the federal government.

In response to the idea that sanctuary churches would be harboring criminals, Harrington said that the families who asked for asylum at the border did what they were supposed to do and should not be confused with someone trying to sneak into the country illegally.

"These folks who are running for their lives are following the rules," she said. And it's unfortunate. It's heartbreaking that we have not found a better way to respond to them."

Southside Presbyterian Church saw thousands of people seeking sanctuary in the 80s, according to Harrington.

She said there are more congregations in southern Arizona that are interested in hosting families if there is a need for it.

There will be no shortage of churches, or even individual homes, for people asking for sanctuary, Harrington added.

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