Georgina Flores, Manuel Rodriguez and their teenage son Manolo, who have lived in Sherbrooke, Quebec since 2018, were scheduled to be deported back to Mexico on November 8th. They had fled their native country because of threats from drug cartels. They believe they would face violence or even death if they return. Instead of reporting to the airport, they turned to their local United Church and asked for sanctuary.
Plymouth-Trinity United Church felt compelled to help. As they said in their official statement on November 9th, “We, the community of faith of Plymouth-Trinity are not wishing to contravene in the immigration laws of our country, but rather to tap into the ancient and canonical practice of offering sanctuary to people who are under threat or persecution.”
A little more than a week later, they have been working hard to make the family comfortable, and make the church more like a home where they can cook for themselves etc. Church leadership is reaching out to volunteers in the community to go shopping for groceries, or pick up and deliver food, or to donate grocery gift cards.
We will update as this story unfolds.