A church in Dobbs Ferry will soon provide sanctuary to immigrants facing deportation.

South Presbyterian Church aims to protect undocumented immigrants. Those in imminent danger will be able to call the church home this fall, at least temporarily.

The Rev. Drew Paton says a sanctuary apartment is in the works. It will be the first church in Westchester to provide physical space to immigrants facing deportation.

“Some of our people are really under attack and are being grabbed off the streets and families separated,” says Paton.

Juan and Maria Guambana, from Ecuador, found safety at South Presbyterian back in September, after receiving deportation orders from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Those orders have since been put on hold.

“You're thrown completely off balance,” says Juan Guambana. “You don't know what to expect because your future isn't certain anymore.”

The Guambanas' son, Gabriel, remembers the pain endured from the separation. A DACA recipient, he applauds the church for openings its doors, as a way to ensure a safe future for anyone seeking the American dream.

The church is still raising funds while sorting out specific details of the apartment.