Illegal immigrant with multiple convictions avoiding ICE deportation by living in ‘sanctuary church’

Avila was supposed to attend a “check-in” with ICE in December, but, instead, he went to Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver and took up residence there. ICE’s policy of not apprehending criminals and fugitives inside “sensitive locations” has inspired Avila and other illegal immigrants to seek shelter there.

“I made the decision to enter sanctuary because it’s very important to me to fight for my case, since I’m sure that I have been a good citizen, contributing every year with my job and always reporting my taxes, doing what I should do as a taxpayer in this country,” Avila said in a statement. “But, above all, the most important reason I’m here in sanctuary is for my three daughters and my little son.”

An ICE spokeswoman painted a different picture.

“Mexican citizen Jorge Eduardo Araiza is a member of the Sureno 13 gang, is illegally present in the U.S., and considered a wanted fugitive by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” spokeswoman Althea Smock said. “Araiza has multiple criminal convictions to include illegal weapons possession, illegal use of slugs, trespassing, among others, spanning several years.”

Avila was brought to the U.S. illegally by his parents in 2000 and attended Denver public school, which is where he met his wife at age 17. The two eventually had four children, who are all American citizens by birthright.

Illegal immigrants seeking refuge in churches is not a new trend in Colorado, where standoffs with ICE agents have become commonplace. There are currently at least four illegal immigrants currently residing in Colorado churches.