Supporters gather at church where immigrants have sought refuge

<p>Members of a Highland Park church gathered Sunday in support of men who sought sanctuary at the church.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 28, 2018, 4:42 PM

Updated 2,543 days ago

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Sunday services at the Reformed Church of Highland Park were different this week, especially for one congregant.
Harry Pangemanan isn't just worshiping at the church, he's now living there. As News 12 has reported, the Indonesian immigrant believes ICE agents showed up at his house Thursday to take him in for possible deportation. Pangemanan , who's been living in the U.S. for over 25 years, fled to the church to seek refuge.
As News 12 has reported, the very next day, his Highland Park house was broken into and ransacked, as was the home of another man, Arthur Jemmy, who's sought refuge at the church since October. Pangemanan and Jemmy say they think it could have possibly been part of an ICE raid, or a potential hate crime.
"We don't know who did this, but when two homes in two towns get burglarized and both individuals are living in sanctuary  it's too coincidental," says Pastor Seth Kaper-Dale.
While the services were being held inside the church, outside was a strong show of solidarity from the extended interfaith community of Highland Park.  A group stood on guard, offering security and support.
There is a third Indonesian man also living in the church. He came to the sanctuary about three weeks ago.