NEWS

Churches decide to offer sanctuary to undocumented migrants

Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children, speaks to supporters gathered outside the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017. She received sanctuary at the church and has been living in the church's basement since Feb. 15, when she avoided a scheduled meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children, speaks to supporters gathered outside the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017. She received sanctuary at the church and has been living in the church's basement since Feb. 15, when she avoided a scheduled meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
Jason Connolly, AFP/Getty Images
The congregation holds hands and prepares for communion at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville. The church has always been inclusive. Now it says becoming a sanctuary church is a big priority for its congregation, which has a long history of social justice work, on Feb. 19, 2017.
The congregation holds hands and prepares for communion at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville. The church has always been inclusive. Now it says becoming a sanctuary church is a big priority for its congregation, which has a long history of social justice work, on Feb. 19, 2017.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean, Via The USA TODAY Network
Deacon Beth Richardson breaks bread for the communion at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville on Feb. 19, 2017. The church says becoming a sanctuary church is a big priority for its congregation.
Deacon Beth Richardson breaks bread for the communion at Edgehill United Methodist Church in Nashville on Feb. 19, 2017. The church says becoming a sanctuary church is a big priority for its congregation.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean, Via The USA TODAY Network
Ruth Fulton of Denver holds an American flag while attending a rally in Denver to show her support for Jeanette Vizguerra during a march to the First Unitarian Church on Feb. 18, 2017. Vizguerra has taken sanctuary in the church over fears she will be deported to Mexico, despite no history of violent crime and three children who are U.S. citizens.
Ruth Fulton of Denver holds an American flag while attending a rally in Denver to show her support for Jeanette Vizguerra during a march to the First Unitarian Church on Feb. 18, 2017. Vizguerra has taken sanctuary in the church over fears she will be deported to Mexico, despite no history of violent crime and three children who are U.S. citizens.
Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY
Draped in an American flag, Jeanette Vizguerra raises her fist during a rally in support of her decision to take sanctuary inside a Denver church. Vizguerra faces deportation back to Mexico because she lacks immigration permission to live in the United States.
Draped in an American flag, Jeanette Vizguerra raises her fist during a rally in support of her decision to take sanctuary inside a Denver church. Vizguerra faces deportation back to Mexico because she lacks immigration permission to live in the United States.
Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY
Undocumented immigrant and activist Jeanette Vizguerra, 45, walks into press conference with two of her children Roberto, 10, and Luna Baez, 12, before addressing supporters and the media while seeking sanctuary at First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 15, 2017.
Undocumented immigrant and activist Jeanette Vizguerra, 45, walks into press conference with two of her children Roberto, 10, and Luna Baez, 12, before addressing supporters and the media while seeking sanctuary at First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 15, 2017.
Marc Piscotty, Getty Images
Protesters at a rally in Denver show their support for Jeanette Vizguerra during a march to the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017. Vizguerra has taken sanctuary in the church over fears she will be deported to Mexico, despite no history of violent crime and three children who are U.S. citizens.
Protesters at a rally in Denver show their support for Jeanette Vizguerra during a march to the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017. Vizguerra has taken sanctuary in the church over fears she will be deported to Mexico, despite no history of violent crime and three children who are U.S. citizens.
Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY
Demonstrators march to the First Unitarian Church in Denver where Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children received sanctuary on Feb. 18, 2017.
Demonstrators march to the First Unitarian Church in Denver where Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children received sanctuary on Feb. 18, 2017.
Jason Connolly, AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators gather outside the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017, in support of Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children.
Demonstrators gather outside the First Unitarian Church in Denver on Feb. 18, 2017, in support of Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented Mexican mother of three U.S.-born children.
Jason Connolly, AFP/Getty Images