Churches in San Diego and four other U.S. cities will give sanctuary to illegal immigrants who face deportation. Religious leaders hope the movement will pressure lawmakers to clear a path to citizenship for approximately 12 million illegal immigrants. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
About 60 people joined in prayers at Plymouth Congregational Church in North Park to kick off the movement.
David Barrows, who leads a Quaker congregation called San Diego Friends, announced it would provide symbolic sanctuary for the Castillo family.
Barrows : We actually don't have a building we can house somebody in, but it’s support. It is perhaps financial aid, perhaps aid with legal process. And an important thing is accompanying them -- go there to hearings with them, be there to support them in many ways.
Marco Castillo says his family has been fighting deportation for ten years since a lawyer botched their case.
The movement's leaders say four more San Diego congregations are set to take on families.
The movement stems from a campaign in the 80's when religious organizations harbored Central Americans fleeing wars at home.
Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
