Beloveds,
We are filled with gratitude to share that our sanctuary guests, Lorenzo and his two year-old son Pedro, were able to return home late Monday afternoon.
Shortly after communicating that Lorenzo was in sanctuary, his lawyer received notification from a senior official within the regional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office that Lorenzo was no longer a priority for deportation — and safe to return home. None of us anticipated such a quick turnaround, and we learned that it is in fact quite rare to receive such direct communication from a senior ICE official. Lorenzo’s lawyer expressed clearly that this decision from ICE was a result of Lorenzo seeking sanctuary — and what we can assume is that ICE did not want the press coverage of a family (with an open asylum case) being separated because of accidentally missing a check-in appointment.
Although I wish it were not because of the threat of bad press, what we know is that just these few days in sanctuary made the difference.
Thank you for your radical hospitality.
Thank you for all of the ways that you love.
Our Sanctuary Everywhere team will continue to support Lorenzo and his family and accompany him to his check-in appointment tomorrow morning. A portion of your generous donations on Sunday will be set aside as part of a readiness plan in the event that we receive a future sanctuary guest. The rest of the funds will support the ongoing work of Sanctuary Everywhere to accompany asylum seekers in our larger community. If you signed up to volunteer you’ll be hearing from us soon. The work of building Beloved Community continues.
As Lorenzo packed his things yesterday, he shared that he hopes his whole family can join us during a future Sunday worship, naming not only his particular appreciation for The Shady Ukuladies, but the message of Love and relationship across difference.
In faith & partnership,
Kristen Psaki
Assistant Minister for Beloved Community
Katie believes the best things in life are the result of collaboration and diverse perspectives coming together to produce something greater than any individual could. She is passionate about systems, efficiency and collaboration for better community outcomes. She loves dreaming up the big picture and drafting the roadmap to make it happen. She has a background in operations, fundraising, communications and program development, as well as over a decade of nonprofit management experience in Northern Colorado.
Her greatest joy in life comes from her family. Her husband, Steven, a principal at Wellington Middle School, and daughters Emmaline and Esmae are the lights of her life. Together they love mountains, music and all kinds of food. She is passionate about women supporting other women in all stages of life and especially through the critical moments that make or break us. She believes that one of the most important things in life is to be kind.
Being outdoors makes her soul come alive. It always roots her in gratitude and is one of the reasons she loves living in Fort Collins.