Churches Oppose ICE in Wake of Recent Violence

Churches of Christ are calling on their congregations to stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a surge of support for immigrants entering the country. In light of the January 7 shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, clergy across Minnesota have begun to vocalize their concerns about ICE’s practices.

Many actions have been taken by these faith leaders, like educating police on potentially extreme views, pushing for access to detainees, and advocating for statewide economic disruptions. Despite the risks, including criminal charges faced by some protesters, they continue to support a local economic “blackout.” With that, local families are advised to keep their children away from schools and public places.

“We need everyone—families, teachers, bus drivers, child care workers—to unite and build community together,” said Assistant Professor Janae Bates Imari from Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church. She described the situation as “not normal” and announced January 23 to be “Truth and Freedom Day.”

The First Congregational Church of Minnesota is also getting involved, conducting actions at a Target store until the company takes a stand and demands the removal of ICE from Minneapolis. Their statement emphasized that it’s crucial for corporate leaders to do what’s right.

On January 13, after being denied access to ICE detainees, Rev. Susie Heyward of Creekside United Church of Christ led a prayer at an ICE facility, expressing a desire for agency personnel to experience a “change of heart.” She prayed for all those unjustly detained, hoping they find comfort in God’s presence during their hardships.

The Rev. T. Michael Locke of the United Church of Christ remarked that the immigration system is severely flawed, stating that the current situation is worse than before. Church World Services, representing dozens of Christian denominations, has helped resettle over 865,000 refugees since its inception.

Monthly vigils outside ICE facilities in Minneapolis have been a ritual since 2018, with the January 13 vigil led by a Catholic group that featured elements of cultural significance, like songs from Native American leaders. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops plays a notable role in resettling refugees, contributing a significant portion of refugee assistance each year.

Following Good’s death, several Presbyterian congregations in Minnesota have mobilized support, with some members trained as “legal monitors” to observe ICE activities. Pastor Zachary Wilson expressed concerns that ICE’s actions are designed to instill fear in immigrant communities, suggesting that their tactics are racially motivated.

In a different part of the country, Episcopal pastor Jed Deering articulated similar concerns, cautioning that federal authorities are behaving aggressively toward immigrant populations. Another Episcopal bishop highlighted that this represents a troubling shift towards martyrdom in their community.

The Episcopal Migration Ministries halted its immigration support efforts after funding for U.S. refugee programs was cut. They previously relied on federal funding to assist those in need, emphasizing their opposition to mass deportations and promoting resources to support immigrant rights.

Ultimately, comments from church leaders reflect a holistic compassion, asserting that all individuals, regardless of background, are valued and loved by God, emphasizing a message of hope and resilience amidst adversity.