}

As faith leaders, we call on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to grant Ohio mother, Edith Espinal, a stay of removal from deportation. Both our faith traditions and our country’s values teach us that families are sacred and central to our communities. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. We ask ICE to hear the plea of our neighbor, and join us in keeping her home with her family.

Edith and her family have deep roots in Columbus, Ohio. As a mother of three, Edith is a community leader and advocate for immigration reform and workers rights. She was the first official member of the Central Ohio Worker Center and has been involved in worker and immigrant rights organizing since 2014.

On September 5th, several faith communities and faith leaders prayed with Edith as she entered sanctuary at Columbus Mennonite Church. We will continue to walk with Edith and her family in hope and prayer until she receives a stay of removal.

Without this stay, Edith will be deported. Tearing the Espinal family apart will not only disrupt the lives of Edith, her husband and her three children, it will leave a hole in the heart of our city.

With prayer and hope, we ask ICE to keep Edith with her family and community, where she belongs.