Montclair Interfaith Alliance Will Shelter Immigrants From ICE

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An interfaith alliance in Montclair is teaming up to provide sanctuary to undocumented families facing possible deportation from ICE.

The Montclair Sanctuary Alliance – which consists of Bnai Keshet, First Congregational Church and Unitarian Universalist Congregation – plans to provide shelter and “rapid response” support in the event of a local ICE raid. The alliance will also give “accompaniment training” and volunteer power to accompany those at risk of deportation to ICE check-ins and court.

Currently, the alliance is in the midst of readying the Red Gables building behind Bnai Keshet to make it suitable for housing and protecting under-duress immigrants, a synagogue spokesperson told Patch.

“So far, ICE has avoided arresting anyone on congregational property,” the spokesperson said. “The alliance believes laws that discriminate by targeting people of color, that endanger life by deporting those facing grave danger and that degrade our humanity by tearing families apart are worthy of scrutiny… and likely should be resisted.”

• See related article: Montclair Adopts 'Welcoming Community' Resolution To Protect Immigrants (VIDEO)
• See related article: Montclair Residents Demand 'Sanctuary City' For Immigrants

In an effort to spread the word about their effort, the alliance will hold an “Interfaith Hanukkah Gathering” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 at Bnai Keshet, 99 S. Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.

The event, co-sponsored by Bnai Keshet, First Congregational Church, The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair and Faith in NJ, is free and open to the public. For more information about the interfaith alliance or if you’re an undocumented immigrant seeking shelter in Montclair, contact Max Polaner at 973-746-4889.

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File Photo: ICE