So far this week, an anticipated nationwide sweep has not materialized at the expected magnitude. Yet the mere prospect of such action has prompted legions of pastors, rabbis and their congregations across the United States to stand ready to help vulnerable immigrants with offers of sanctuary and other services.
Utah's dominant religious denomination, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doesn't offer sanctuary to immigrants, but it tries to stake out a compassionate stance on immigration and said last year it was "deeply troubled" by the family separations at the border.
The religion allows local lay leaders to provide "life-sustaining" help to church members regardless of immigration status, while encouraging people to get legal help to resolve their immigration situation, said church spokesman Eric Hawkins.