Immigrant Leaves Church Sanctuary as ICE Vows Not to Deport Him

By Joshua Summers First Posted: Feb 25, 2021 08:11 PM EST

Asylum seekers from different countries are trying to enter the United States, searching for a fresh start and new life. However, the previous administrations are skeptical about letting them in. Now that the Biden administration leads the United States, a Honduran immigrant leaves church sanctuary after three and a half years, as the Immigrations Customs Enforcement or ICE pledges not to deport him.

According to Huff Post, Alex Garcia from Honduras, a father of five, was slated for removal from the United States in 2017, the first year of the Former President Donald Trump's administration. The Christ Church United Church of Christ, situated in the St. Louis suburb of Maplewood, offered him sanctuary days before his deportation, according to Huff Post.

The Decision

News Chain noted that Sara John from St. Louis Interfaith Committee on Latin America shared that Garcia's decision of leaving the sanctuary came after the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's declaration that the agency will not pursue his removal from the United States. News Chain also mentioned how Garcia told a cheering crowd of about a hundred people his story of being separated from his family for about 1,252 days, expressing his gratitude for their support to him and his family.

According to World News Era, President Joe Biden has signed several executive orders on his first week as president regarding immigration issues that undo his predecessor's policies. However, several Republican members in Congress are pushing legal challenges. World News Era also mentioned Myrna Orozco from the Church World Service, noting that there are 33 immigrants inside the churches across the United States, heeding that the number should continue to decline.

Huff Post shared that Garcia said upon his exit that there is still so much work that has to be done as he expresses his resolve in fighting for permanent protection. Huff Post notes that Maplewood spilled their emotion as Garcia bade farewell. At the same time, Mayor Greenberg said that even though he cannot grant Garcia citizenship, Greenberg will make him an honorary of Maplewood.

Other people who left the sanctuary

News Chain noted three more immigrants who have left or emerged from the sanctuary, such as a 55-year-old El Salvador Native, Jose Chichas, from a church-owned house in North Carolina on January 22. News Chain added that a 65-year-old Pakistani left the Michigan Church this month and Edith Espinal, a Mexican native that left Ohio church after more than three years. News Chain points out that these people left the sanctuary after President Biden took his office.

World News Era mentioned that Garcia's exit followed the United States Representative Cori Bush - a St. Louis Democrat - announced her sponsorship of a private bill seeking permanent residency for Garcia. World News Era furthered that Bush said that ICE promised not to deport Garcia and that they will not stop to ensure that the agency will keep their promise.