Trump's Inaugural pastor offers church as 'safe haven' for immigrants fearing deportation

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez Jr., who led prayers during President Donald Trump's inauguration in January, is offering a "safe haven" at his church for those who are afraid of being deported under the president's new immigration policy.

Days after Trump issued the executive order on immigration, the pastors at New Season Christian Worship Center set up 30 cots for anyone who fear the effects of the new policies. About half a dozen came in the past month but most only stayed for a couple of days.

Rodriguez, the pastor of the church and the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), has offered legal education about immigration rights to his congregation and has advised them to contact NHCLC's immigration attorney if they fear that their family might be separated.

"The anxiety in Christian conservative, evangelical churches has grown exponentially, because many of our worshipers, many of the families we serve, many of the families in our pews, may very well lack the appropriate documentation, even though we have a don't ask don't tell policy," he said in an interview with Time.

According to the Church World Service, there are currently six families that are under the nationwide sanctuary movement, which is aimed at protecting immigrants facing deportation from immigration officials.

While federal law prohibits the harboring of undocumented immigrants, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have said they will comply with the "sensitive locations policy," which forbids them from searching or arresting suspected undocumented immigrants in places of worship, hospitals and schools.

In contrast to the sanctuary church movement, New Season's safe haven program is intended to provide a space for recuperation and spiritual encouragement. Pastor Charlie Rivera, who is in charge of the program, said that the New Season does not have a plan in place if immigration officials arrive at the church. "We are just there offering assistance, giving them a sense of hope, peace," he said.

Rodriguez had often clashed with Trump on the issue of immigration. During the campaign, he objected to Trump's plan to build a southern wall and deport around 10 million undocumented immigrants.

The pastor urged Trump to allow child immigrants, known as "Dreamers," to stay and find employment in the U.S. He expressed concern that the president's policies will target all undocumented immigrants rather than just focusing on violent criminals.

After Trump gave his first address to Congress, Rodriguez issued a statement urging Congress to prioritize the issue of immigration reform.

"Our hope is that Congress will make it their utmost priority to immediately pass comprehensive immigration reform. The legislative process is the best way to respect the people living within our borders and better protect the sanctity and security of our country's founding ideals," he wrote.