Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Albuquerque Quaker church gives sanctuary to immigrant woman

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A Quaker church in Albuquerque says it's joining churches across the country giving sanctuary shelter to immigrants facing possible deportation. The Friends Meeting House announced Tuesday volunteers will help give Emma Membreno Sorto around-the-clock protection from federal immigration authorities while she stays in church facilities. Her attorney Roderick DeAguero said the Honduran woman has lived in the U.S. for 25 years and previously had sought political asylum. He says immigration authorities contacted Membreno Sorto while she was going through cancer treatment. Membreno Sorto told reporters in a statement she is no longer going to any federal immigration appointments for fear of deportation. Advocates say other Albuquerque churches are discussing offering shelter to immigrants facing deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Leticia Zamarripa says she is checking on the case.