Catholic churches in the Bay Area’s biggest city may soon shield immigrants from deportation under the Donald Trump administration.

The Catholic Church in Santa Clara County is quietly lining up as many as 20 places of worship to act as potential safehouses for immigrants facing deportation under a Trump presidency.

Father Jon Pedigo of the Dioceses of San Jose said, “We are not looking to make a political statement on sanctuary or anything like that. It’s basically providing refuge, support, stability and safety for a family in need.”

The plan is part of a coordinated effort by churches, community organizations and local leaders in response to the election of Trump, who’s advocated for an aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo wants to relax some city regulations and make it easier for churches to provide sanctuary to immigrant families.

Liccardo said, “What we’re trying to do is simply get out of the way for those service providers — in this case churches and faith-based organizations — that have traditionally provided sanctuary.”

Full story at CBS Bay Area.