Immigrant who entered U.S. illegally in 1997 receives sanctuary in New Haven to avoid deportation
NEW HAVEN (AP) — A native of Ecuador living in Connecticut has become the second person this summer to take sanctuary inside a New Haven church to avoid deportation.
Marco Reyes Alverez entered the U.S. illegally in 1997 and has been living in Meriden. The father of three was supposed to board a plane to Ecuador on Tuesday but instead took refuge inside the First and Summerfield United Methodist Church.
His supporters say a family member was recently murdered in Ecuador and he fears for his life if he returns.
Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials agreed to reconsider the case of a woman who's been living in Norwalk after she took sanctuary inside New Haven's Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal church rather than board a plane for Guatemala.
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