The Latest: Iraqi facing deportation takes refuge in church

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on an Iraqi man in New Mexico who is facing deportation (all times local): 10:15 a.m. An attorney for a Muslim Iraqi man facing deportation says her client is taking sanctuary at a church in New Mexico's largest city. Rebecca Kitson, a lawyer for Kadhim Al-bumohammed (kah-DHEEM al-boo-MOH-HAH-med), said the Albuquerque resident decided to skip his immigration hearing Thursday where he was expected to be detained. Kitson says he made the decision after consulting with his family. She informed federal immigration authorities of Al-bumohammed's decision but gave them his location. Supporters say he helped train U.S. soldiers going to Iraq and will face death if he's deported. The U.S. government says 1,400 Iraqis are under deportation orders nationwide. Some have been under orders for years because they committed crimes in the U.S. Al-bumohammed has two misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions in California. ___ 9:15 a.m. An attorney for an Iraqi man facing deportation says her client is taking sanctuary in at an undisclosed house of worship in Albuquerque. Kadhim Al-bumohammed (kah-DHEEM al-boo-MOH-HAH-med) did not show up Thursday for a scheduled immigration hearing at which he was expected to be detained. His attorney says Al-bumohammed made the decision to instead seek refuge after talking with his family. Al-bumohammed has informed immigration authorities of his location. About 300 supporters rallied on his behalf outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Albuquerque. Supporters say Al-bumohammed helped train U.S. soldiers going to Iraq and will face death if he's deported. The U.S. government says 1,400 Iraqis are under deportation orders nationwide. Some have been under orders for years because they committed crimes in the U.S. Al-bumohammed has two misdemeanor domestic violence convictions in California. ___ 3:30 a.m. Protesters say they will demonstrate outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Albuquerque in support for an Iraqi refugee who is facing deportation. Lawyers for Kadhim Al-bumohammed (kah-DHEEM al-boo-MOH-HAH-med) say the 64-year-old has been ordered Thursday to attend an immigration hearing where he is expected to be detained. Supporters say Al-bumohammed helped train U.S. soldiers going to Iraq and will face death if he's deported. The U.S. government said 1,400 Iraqis are under deportation orders nationwide. Some have been under orders for years because they committed crimes in the U.S. A federal judge Tuesday halted the deportation of those Iraqi nationals, including many Christians fearing persecution, while courts review the orders to remove them from the U.S. Al-bumohammed has two misdemeanor domestic violence convictions in California.