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Church Leaders House Undocumented Immigrants

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-756178.mp3

Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a factory in Mississippi last week and detained almost 600 people. They are suspected of working in the United States illegally. Right after news of the raid spread, many family members and children of the detainees turned to one place for information and help: the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Churches are beginning to play a significant role in the immigration debate, even going so far as to protect and house illegal immigrants facing deportation. What's called the new sanctuary movement is growing in Kansas City, too, where faith leaders have created an organization called Immigrant Justice Advocacy Movement. KC Currents' Sylvia Maria Gross has this story of a Kansas City, Kansas family who turned to a group of church pastors when they thought they were about to be turned in.

This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast.

Sylvia Maria Gross is storytelling editor at KCUR 89.3. Reach her on Twitter @pubradiosly.
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