“Speaks to Columbus values,” Council shows support for immigrants in sanctuary

At Monday night’s City Council meeting, a resolution was passed in support of two women living in sanctuary here in Columbus.

Edith Espinal has been living in sanctuary at Columbus Mennonite Church for over a year. Miriam Vargas has been living in sanctuary at First English Lutheran Church for over seven months. Both women are waiting to become legal residents of the U.S.

NBC4i reports the resolution based by council is not legally binding, but is an on-the-record show of support by the city.

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“While this resolution doesn’t change federal law, it speaks to Columbus’ values,” wrote City Council President Shannon Hardin on Twitter.

@ColumbusCouncil passed a resolution in support of keeping families together. Federal immigration policy is broken. Deportation tactics separate mothers and fathers in Columbus from their families. While this resolution doesn't change federal law, it speaks to Columbus' values pic.twitter.com/n8THwa6QSt
— Shannon Hardin (@SG_Hardin) February 26, 2019

Neither Espinal nor Vargas were in attendance last night due to fear of being detained.

“It’s no secret that our immigration system is broken,” said council member Elizabeth Brown, per NBC4i. “Unfortunately Miriam and Edith are at its mercy.”

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