A California church is now offering sanctuary to area residents facing the threat of deportation.

As part of their relief effort, the University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley (ULC) has also unveiled a newly created apartment where it plans to house refuge seekers.

ULC leaders recently held a press and ritual blessing to make their efforts public. Orchestrated by the East Bay Interfaith Immigration Coalition, the plan is supported by more than a dozen local congregations.

Berkeley Supports Efforts

In addition, the effort also has the blessing of the City of Berkeley, which just last month passed a resolution in support of sanctuary efforts for refugees and migrants.

"Today is a day of victory for compassion and a day of victory for courage," said Councilman Kriss Worthington, who spearheaded the city's efforts. "Most importantly, it is a victory for common sense."

Later, Worthington blasted what he deemed a never before seen level of attack on immigrants that have been highlighted by increased Immigration Customs and Enforcement raids all over the country.

"It's a deportation dragnet that is scooping up and deporting people unceremoniously, and often illegally," he said. "Berkeley is saying 'enough is enough."'

Meanwhile, the new digs were created by ULC officials converting office space in its building. Leaders have particularly expressed grave concerns for those who would be separating from their families by now being exiled.

Trump on Immigration

"We live in perilous times when national leaders advocate openly about building walls and barring whole populations from entry into the U.S.," said Pastor Jeff Johnson, making reference to possibility of some immigrants being deported back to volatile situations in their homeland and the potential election of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, who is on record in asserting he plans to deport millions if he is elected.

"It is a time of increased xenophobia, where refugees are derided, scapegoated and blamed," he added. "For communities of faith, action in the present moment is imperative."

Berkeley's resolutions binds the city to supporting organizations like ULC and prohibits all city employees from engaging in or assisting in the arrest of any individuals who offer such assistance.

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