A community organization of immigration advocates is training everyday people to accompany immigrants to court and fight deportation.

The New Sanctuary Coalition is an interfaith network of congregations, organizations and individuals who aim to help families and individuals avoid detention and deportation. 

"Immigrants don't have a right to an attorney,” says Sara Gozalo, of New Sanctuary Coalition. “And so, many of our friends go in front of a judge without one, if they can't afford one."

Linda Chavez started off as a volunteer for the New Sanctuary Coalition a little over a year ago. She says was so inspired that she has taken on a leadership role within the organization.

"We hear over and over again from friends that they can't even believe that citizens spend their time this way [volunteering],” Chavez says. “And it just makes them feel so much better.”

The New Sanctuary Coalition says it hopes to recruit more volunteers to expand its work.