Decision from immigrations officials end sanctuary for Collazo

June 14, 2018 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer, at the pulpit, speaks as Sister Denise Granger, Gisella Collazo, and translater Emily Rodriguez listen to the announcement that Collazo no longer needed sanctuary at the church.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – The attorney representing South Congregational Church said the church is ready to provide sanctuary again if necessary for an illegal immigrant who meets the program’s criteria.

Attorney Christine Tetreault spoke with Reminder Publications moments after Gisella Collazo left the church and entered a car to return to her home, husband and two children.

“We’re happy she’s going home,” Tetreault said. “We hope that we never have to use that space again. Nobody choses to use that space, but we’re ready if someone needs it.”

Collazo was the first person to be given sanctuary by the Springfield Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition. She left the program because federal immigration officials granted her a Stay of Removal.

Collazo arrived in the United States from Peru in 2001. She found work here, married an American citizen and has two children, both citizens. According to information supplied by the Pioneer Valley Project she has been trying to change her immigration status since 2006 when she received a work permit.

The Stay of Removal will prevent the Department of Homeland Security from deporting her while she continues to change her status.

In a short announcement prior to her leaving the church, Collazo said through an interpreter “I feel happy I will be back at home with my family.”

An audience of supporters filled a small chapel at the church and gave Collazo a standing ovation, as she wiped away tears.

South Congregational’s Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer charged the current federal administration was “incompetent” when it came to matters of immigration.

Mayor Domenic Sarno had opposed the offer of sanctuary by the church and the coalition when Collazo entered sanctuary  last March. The mayor had ordered an inspection of the apartment in the church by Code Enforcement Commissioner Steve Desiliets on April 5, who found minor violation that were all addressed.

Sarno had also asked for a legal review of the church’s non-profit status because of offering sanctuary, but no outcome from that review has been announced. His office reported he had no comment to offer at this time.

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