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Hundreds Gather at Portland’s Augustana Church in Support of Immigrant Oregonians


The Rev. W. J. Mark Knutson announced that Augustana Lutheran Church in Oregon will offer a safe space for immigrant Oregonians who fear being deported. The church previously provided sanctuary to Francisco Aguirre for 81 days in 2014. Knutson made the announcement during a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a focus on supporting the immigrant community. The event included music, candlelight vigil, and support from elected officials such as Sen. Kayse Jama.

The announcement comes after President Donald Trump issued executive orders regarding immigration crackdowns and sensitive location policies for ICE officers. Despite the policy changes, Knutson asserts the church has a moral obligation to protect those seeking sanctuary. The church has not housed anyone yet but is prepared to do so.

Faith leaders in Oregon recently received training on immigrant know-your-rights and turning their places of worship into sanctuaries. Concerns have been raised about the reversal of sensitive location policies allowing ICE agents to make arrests at schools, hospitals, and churches. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley expressed concerns about the impact on immigrant communities.

Juan Francisco Aguirre-Velasquez, who found sanctuary at Augustana in 2014, called for immigration reform and urged Trump to end the division. Organizers are worried about immigrant families missing out on essential services due to fear of deportation. The community stands in solidarity with those facing deportation and vows to continue supporting them.

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