After living in a church for 3.5 years, Missouri man leaves sanctuary after ICE commits to no longer pursue his deportation
More information about Alex and his story can be found here (bit.ly/AlexBelongsHere)
St. Louis, Missouri — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has declared that Alex Garcia, a Honduran immigrant who has been living in sanctuary for over three and a half years, is no longer a priority for deportation. The agency has unequivocally stated that it will not be pursuing Alex’s detention or removal.
WHERE: Christ Church United Church of Christ, 2200 Bellevue Ave., Maplewood 63143
WHEN: 3:00 pm CST / 4:00 pm EST
WHAT: masks required, social distancing enforced; outdoor photographs, audio, community support gathering as the Garcia Family leave the church
The Garcia Family will share prepared remarks, followed by remarks from his legal team and pastor. Upon conclusion of the event, attorneys Nicole Cortes and Javad Khazaeli together with Sara John will be available for questions. Please note: the Garcia Family will not be available for questions at this time.
This decision comes in response to newly implemented enforcement priorities announced by the Biden Administration last week and follows the introduction of a private bill by Congresswoman Cori Bush that would offer Alex legal permanent residency. Today, Alex will claim his freedom and walk out the doors of Christ Church United Church of Christ in Maplewood, Missouri, no longer in need of the protection of sanctuary.
Rene Alexander “Alex” Garcia Maldonado has been living in sanctuary at the church in the St. Louis suburbs since September 21, 2017, after ICE unilaterally revoked its previous decision to allow him to stay with his family. Alex was given two weeks to turn himself in to be deported. This would have meant permanent separation from his family: Carly, his wife of more than 10 years, and five children, all U.S. citizens. Facing this, Alex made the courageous decision that he would seek sanctuary in order to pursue permanent protection from deportation and the opportunity to live freely with his family in Missouri. Since then, Alex’s team has pursued all avenues for immediate and long-term relief.
Alex Garcia has this to say: “Today, we celebrate as I leave sanctuary and reunite with my family after being separated for 1,252 days. Because of all of your support and the new administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement made a promise that I am no longer a priority for deportation. We are not done yet. There is still so much work that has to be done and I look forward to being able to join you all out there in the community and continue to fight for my permanent protection.”
Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01), said: “St. Louis and I are so grateful and relieved that Alex has been reunited with his family at home. This is the power of organizing. Alex was able to go home today because of the tireless work of his family, organizers, faith leaders, lawyers, Christ Church UCC in Maplewood, and community members who fought tooth and nail for years to make this day a reality. The pain Alex and his family have endured is unimaginable, unjust, and unacceptable. ICE has promised not to deport Alex, and we will stop at nothing to ensure that they keep their promise. In Congress, I will continue championing the private bill to grant Alex permanent residency, which is the surest way to guarantee permanent unity for his family.”
Nicole Cortés, Alex’s attorney and co-director of the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project, shared these remarks: “Today represents a huge milestone for the Garcia Family. We will continue to fight on multiple fronts for Alex’s long term protection. Today we celebrate; tomorrow we continue the work.”
Javad Khazaeli, Alex’s attorney and former ICE Prosecutor: “Elections have consequences. It is encouraging to see ICE return to more humane and priority based enforcement. I am encouraged by the steps the President and progressive leaders like Rep. Bush have taken to move us toward an immigration system that works.”
Carly Garcia, Alex’s wife, said: “These last 3.5 years have been very difficult and traumatizing for us. But as you have heard from Alex. Today Alex will be leaving sanctuary because ICE made a promise that Alex will not be deported, that he is no longer a priority for deportation. We celebrate this win today but it's not over; Alex still needs permanent protection. The private bill HR 1209 that Congresswoman Cori Bush introduced on Monday will grant Alex the protection he desperately needs - that we as a family desperately need. Thank you all so much for your continued support and we look forward to continuing to push for more just immigration laws so that all of the families in sanctuary are free.”
Rev. Rebecca Turner, Pastor of Christ Church United Church of Christ, had this to say: "The hearts of all of us at Christ Church are overflowing today. God has answered our prayers for Alex Garcia to live freely, without the threat of being separated from his family. Alex is a part of our church family and we will continue to advocate for him until he has a pathway to full citizenship."
Sara John, Alex’s organizer and Executive Director of the St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America, remarked: “We are thrilled that these changes to enforcement priorities have meant that many people in sanctuary like Alex feel safe enough to walk free. We also know that Alex and millions of families like his are still fighting for permanent solutions and the ability to live united with their families. We will continue to work alongside them to secure humane legislative reforms that honor the dignity of all people, prioritize family unity, and end the criminalization of all immigrants and communities of color.”
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About MICA Project
The Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA Project) is a community organization committed to working with low-income immigrants to overcome barriers to justice. The MICA Project utilizes legal services, organizing, advocacy, and education to promote the voice and human dignity of immigrant communities. For more information, visit www.mica-project.org.
About IFCLA
The St. Louis Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America (IFCLA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that, for nearly 40 years, remains committed to standing in solidarity with immigrant neighbors and sending communities in Latin America. Through education and organizing, IFCLA convenes an inter-faith community to accompany the people of Latin America in their work for human rights and social justice. For more information, visit www.stl-ifcla.org.
About Khazaeli Wyrsch LLC
Khazaeli Wyrsch (KW Law) is a St. Louis based law firm that focuses on civil rights and immigration. Mr. Khazaeli spent almost 10 years as a prosecutor for ICE. KW Law is committed to using the law to make St. Louis more just and equitable. For more information, visit www.kwlawstl.com.
About Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01)
Congresswoman Cori Bush represents Missouri’s First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. She is also a Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is a registered nurse, single mother, and an ordained pastor. Following the murder of Michael Brown Jr. by a now-terminated Ferguson police officer, she became a civil rights activist and community organizer fighting for justice for Black lives on the streets of Missouri and across the country.