WINNIPEG, Aug 6: Hassan Raza and his wife say they have been warned that a warrant for their arrest may be issued after they and their six children took sanctuary in a Winnipeg church rather than board a flight to Pakistan on Friday morning.

“In cases where individuals do not comply, arrest warrants may be issued for these individuals,” said Loretta Nyhus, spokesman for Canada Border Services Agency in Winnipeg, who could not comment specifically on the Razas’ deportation case.

Hassan Raza, his wife, Sarfraz Kausar, Rubab, 13, Mohsin, 12, Zain, 7, Ume Farva, 6, Hassan, 4, and Seema, 1, took refuge at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church late Thursday afternoon after a judge ordered their removal, Canadian Sun News reported on Sunday.

After 24 hours, the children were still having fun inside the church, said Janine LeGal, the Razas’ friend and advocate who met the family last year.

“It’s not going to take too much longer before they figure out they can’t go outside. It’s difficult to explain that to young children.”

The Raza’ two youngest children were born in this country and are Canadian citizens.

“How do you explain to the older kids that your younger siblings can go outside but you can’t because you’re not Canadian citizens?” said LeGal.

Nyhus said if Canadian-born children are involved in a deportation, “the parents must make a decision as to what they will do with the children,” she said.

“The children can stay but the mom has to go?” asked Raj Pandey, Raza’s employer and the owner of APR Industries. “Why mom would leave their children?” said the engineer and philanthropist, who has written a letter of support for the family.

Human rights and immigration lawyer David Matas, who is representing the family, said it’s an awkward situation.

“Churches are not set up to deal with the situation. The family is basically stuck there,” he said.—PPI