After 3 Years, Edith Espinal Will Leave Sanctuary to Meet with Immigration Officials in Hopes of a Reprieve of Deportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Michelle Nealy, mnealy@faithinpubliclife.org, (202) 735-7123
Austin Schuler, aschuler@faithinpubliclife.org, (540) 280-3393
Dan Clark, dclark@faithinpubliclife.org, (614) 648-3663
After 3 Years, Edith Espinal Will Leave Sanctuary to Meet with Immigration Officials in Hopes of a Reprieve of Deportation
Faith and community leaders will hold a prayer vigil in support of the mother of three at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office.
Columbus, OH — On Thursday, February 18th at 11 a.m. Edith Espinal will leave Columbus Mennonite Church, where she’s been living in sanctuary for more than three years, to meet with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Edith will be joined by her attorney, Lizbeth Mateo, herself undocumented, as well as by faith and community leaders who hope to secure a reprieve from deportation for Edith.
The Biden administration has announced a series of immigration executive orders, including one that sets new guidance about who is considered a priority for removal. Under these new guidelines Edith should not be considered a priority for removal and should be granted a reprieve from deportation.
Following a press conference, supporters will gather for a prayer of sending as Edith and a small group of allies will enter the local ICE field office to negotiate, while Edith’s community of support stands vigil awaiting results.
WHAT:
Press conference and prayer vigil
WHEN:
Thursday, February 18th at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
ICE Field Office
675 Brooksedge Boulevard
Westerville, OH 43081
WHO:
Edith Espinal, Columbus mother living in sanctuary for three years and 4 months
Emmanuel Remy, Columbus City Council
Morgan Harper, Columbus Stand Up!
Lizbeth Mateo, Attorney and undocumented immigrant
Rev. Joel Miller, Columbus Mennonite Church
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