Mixed Reactions Among Korean American Christians to Immigration Raids

Korean American Christians are expressing a range of feelings about recent immigration raids targeting Koreans in the U.S.

On September 4, over 300 Korean nationals were detained at a battery manufacturing plant in Georgia, owned by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solutions, during a major deportation operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This raid was reportedly one of the largest of its kind, as the workers were accused of overstaying their visas and entering the country illegally, although some denied these allegations.

Reports indicate that the situation has garnered both support and backlash from the Korean American Christian community.

Christina Shin, an office manager in Atlanta, shared her thoughts on the matter. She responded to fellow Korean American Christians who argue that “illegal is illegal.”

Shin remarked, “I’m proud that my parents came here legally, got their documents, and allowed me to be born in the United States.” She observed that some reactions among her community were “blood boiling.”

“They don’t seem to have any empathy for others in our community,” she noted.

However, she chose not to bring up the church’s discussions on the raid to prevent any conflict. “I don’t want to create drama, especially in a church setting where we’re aiming to support one another,” she explained.

Samuel Xiong, a 34-year-old small business owner and deacon in Fairfax, Virginia, expressed his understanding of immigrants’ struggles while still recognizing the legality of their situation.

“A crime is a crime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel compassion for that person,” said Xiong, whose parents immigrated from South Korea in the 1980s. “They’re just trying to do what’s best for their families.”

Xiong also talked about the hurdles associated with gaining U.S. citizenship, which he believes should not be an easy road, drawing a parallel to Biblical teachings about authority.

“It should be tough. Like how we view citizenship in heaven, it should come at a cost,” he stated.

Raymond Chan, a pastor and president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, pointed out the factors behind the church’s silence regarding immigrants. Pastors face the challenge of protecting undocumented members, receiving pushback from congregants who prefer to avoid political discussions, and the desire to maintain harmony within the church.

“Many churches are trying to navigate how to disciple their communities amidst all the political noise we have today,” Chan remarked. “The discourse is so polarized and often toxic.”