“We’re trying to do something for our nation,” says Taylor Charging Crow. “We’re risking our lives. We’re risking our families.”

The decision is a victory for the several thousand camped near the construction site.

The Jesuit presidents wrote they are called "to embrace the entire human family, regardless of their immigration status or religious allegiance.”

The leaders pledged to continue working "to protect to the fullest extent of the law undocumented students on our campuses" and to promote retention of students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status.

"The Catholic community of east Tennessee continues to pray for those who have been affected by the terrible wildfires in Gatlinburg and other communities across the region," Bishop Richard F. Stika said.

After four torturous years of negotiations, a stunning referendum rejection, last-minute compromises and two signing ceremonies, Colombia has ratified a peace deal.