UPDATED 03/26: Senator Richard Blumenthal visited Malik Naveed Bin Rehman and Zahida Altaf in sanctuary yesterday afternoon at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme to show support and to discuss ways to support their case.
Malik Naveed Bin Rehman and Zahida Altaf, who were ordered by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the United States by Monday, March 19, 2018, have taken sanctuary at the church. This act of compassion offered to a family in need – with the support of many community leaders, is meant to give the justice process more time to work while all avenues of appeal are exercised in the pursuit of relief in their case.
Malik and Zahida’s request for a stay has gathered the support of Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senator Blumenthal, Senator Murphy, Congresswoman Esty, Representative William Tong, South Windsor Mayor Dr. M Saud Anwar, New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, the New Britain City Council, and Meriden City Councilman Miguel Castro.
On March 14, in a show of support and protection, the New Britain City Council unanimously passed a resolution urging Officer Brophy; the Acting Field Office Director of ICE, to reconsider the couple’s removal date.
Other supporters include the advocacy team composed of CCSU students, families that have faced similar deportation battles before; such as members of the Cardoso family of New Britain and the Ramos family of Meriden.
Humanitarian groups such as CIRA, Action Together CT, CT Shoreline Indivisible, ACLU People Power, and more have rallied in support also.
Update: Visit this link to read a full report of yesterday’s event titled Sen. Richard Blumenthal Visits New Britain Couple Taking Refuge In Old Lyme Church written by Matthew Ormseth and published yesterday, March 25, on www.courant.com.