Immigration: Churches Challenge the Government

May 10, 2007 — -- An 188-year-old parish in Los Angeles has become a sanctuary for illegal immigrants and their families as they navigate the path to citizenship and live in fear of deportation.

La Placita was built by Mexicans and is the oldest Catholic church in this part of California. Itt now joins 20 churches across the country that are taking a stance on the immigration debate by offering housing to illegal immigrants.

ABC's Bill Redeker spoke with one illegal, Jose, who entered the county 17 years ago and recently moved into the church in a small room next to the choir loft. (His last name is being withheld out of concerns for one of his relatives).

When asked if he was nervous about the move he said yes, as immigration officials could raid the church, seize him and send him back to Mexico. But if that happened, what would the priests do?

"We would surround him, and it would not be a very pretty picture," said Associate Pastor Richard Estrada.

While the church is providing a haven, not all illegal immigrants qualify for the housing. To seek refuge, individuals must already be in deportation proceedings, maintain a good work record and have children who are U.S. citizens by birth.

Jose has two sons who were born here, and said in Spanish that his "biggest fear" is being separated from his children.

"I'm afraid if I stay home, I'll be arrested," he said.

In an effort to avoid legal confrontations, attorneys have advised La Placita's priests not to hide the identity of the illegal immigrants at the location.

That's also the case in Chicago, where Aldaberto United Methodist church is also housing illegal immigrants. There, a very public protest is being waged by Elvira Arellano, a single mother who has moved into a church.

"I am not a terrorist … I am a mom, I love my son," Arellano said.

Her son Saul, 7, is an American citizen by birth and understands why he's lived in a church since August -- he said it's so his "mom cannot get deported, to Mexico."