Churches across the state are providing safe spaces for illegal immigrants who fear being deported.

Michigan United has partnered with nearly a dozen churches in Calhoun and Kalamazoo Counties, some of them in secret to act as safe havens.

Michigan United is a statewide group that advocates for immigration reform, among other things.

It says it will help anyone from the West Michigan area and hopes to get some Grand Rapids area churches on board.

It is also organizing similar efforts in other cities, including Detroit.