It’s unclear what will happen this week in the case of Edith Espinal, the undocumented immigrant taking sanctuary at the Columbus Mennonite Church. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ordered Espinal to leave the country by Tuesday. The mother of three has lived in Columbus for most of the last 20 years, but has exhausted all legal options. At a Columbus Metropolitan Club forum late last week, attorney Joseph Mas acknowledged the unknown.
Mas’ concerns extend beyond the Espinal case.
Activists say they will continue to pressure Ohio’s congressional delegation to craft a more humane immigration policy. The church says other congregations have been helping with food and monetary donations. Church leaders expect additional sanctuary cases to emerge in the Columbus-area and around the state.
