After the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a round-up last weekend of illegal immigrants from Central America, several Arizona churches responded by opening their doors and providing refuge. According to immigration officials, the individuals illegally passed through U.S. borders and remained in the country after a judge had ordered them to leave.
During the initial round-up, which took place predominately in Georgia, Texas and North Carolina, 121 adults and children were taken into custody. The enforcement action was overseen by Sarah Saldaña, the director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and supported and executed by Thomas Homan, a career law enforcement official who leads ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
“I have said publicly for months that individuals who constitute enforcement priorities, including families and unaccompanied children, will be removed,” Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement. “At my direction, additional enforcement operations such as these will continue to occur as appropriate.” Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in Phoenix is one of the many parishes that has responded to immigrant round-ups with action. FULL REPORT
