Fresno Unitarian Universalist Church Prepares to Offer Sanctuary Amid Immigration Crackdown

The Unitarian Universalist Church in Fresno is preparing to offer sanctuary to at least one undocumented immigrant facing deportation, as the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown. This decision comes in response to recent federal policy changes that allow immigration agents to make arrests in churches and other sensitive locations, such as schools.

A 2011 memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement once prohibited agents from making arrests in such places, providing a measure of protection for undocumented individuals seeking refuge. However, on Jan. 21, the Department of Homeland Security reversed this policy, granting immigration agents the authority to make arrests in churches and schools once again.

Rev. Tim Kutzmark, a leader at the Unitarian Universalist Church, emphasized that becoming a sanctuary church represents a commitment to love, justice, and equity. “We’re called to prioritize and protect the most vulnerable,” he said. “Undocumented immigrants are among the most vulnerable people in our country.”

The church previously embraced the role of a sanctuary church during President Donald Trump’s first term, when he intensified efforts to crack down on immigrants and refugees. Kutzmark recalled that his congregation spent months educating itself on the legal and logistical aspects of offering sanctuary, aiming to provide shelter, legal guidance, and meals to those facing deportation.

Despite the initial efforts, the church’s sanctuary initiatives did not materialize as planned. However, members began discussing the possibility of renewing the church’s status shortly after Trump was re-elected in November 2020.

Many Christian churches in the U.S. have a long history of offering sanctuary and challenging federal immigration policies, even during the Obama administration. Kutzmark said his congregation hopes to become a sanctuary church by the end of May, offering space and resources to an individual, couple, or family facing deportation who has been identified by an immigration lawyer or legal service clinic as having a strong case.

Source: Read the original report