Sessions calls on local officials to comply with immigration crackdown
NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Nury Chavarria is defying an order to return to her native Guatemala, taking refuge at a New Haven church instead.
"I love this country," Chavarria said.
Since entering the U.S. illegally in 1993, she's had four kids.
"She is not a criminal," said her youngest daughter, Hayley Chavarria. She is calling on President Trump to allow her mother to stay.
"Don't separate my family," she said.
Arrests of undocumented immigrants have risen since Mr. Trump took office, though deportations have dropped.
"They are not allowed to come without permission," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
In Philadelphia on Saturday, Sessions called on local officials to help the government crackdown on illegal immigration.
"And if they commit a crime while they're in here, my goodness, what right do they have to demand that they not be deported?" Sessions said.
But many cities across the country have refused to cooperate and several churches have taken in undocumented immigrants facing immediate deportation.
While Immigration and Customs Enforcement can make arrests at places of worship, agents tends to avoid them unless they have prior approval from a supervisor or what they deem "exigent circumstances."
Chavvaria's supporters point out she has never committed any crimes.
"Because of the election last November, all of that changed for her," said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). "She was a marked woman because she had done everything that was asked of her."
But an ICE spokesman says Chavvaria was given at least two orders to leave and failed to comply. An immigration advocate working with Chavvaria says plans to stay at the church while she appeals in court.