Faith leaders throughout the United States are expressing deep concern regarding the immigration enforcement measures implemented by President Donald Trump’s recent administration. These changes have fostered a sense of fear among congregations that actively support migrants. In light of this, many leaders are contemplating how they can continue to provide refuge without compromising their congregants’ safety amidst threats of enforcement actions even within sacred spaces.
In Portland, Oregon, Rev. W.J. Mark Knutson plans to offer sanctuary to undocumented migrants at Augustana Lutheran Church, continuing a practice he began back in 2014. He recalled when a man from El Salvador sought shelter in his church for nearly three months after illegally re-entering the country. Knutson firmly stated, “An unjust law is no law at all,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining sacred spaces for all.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Rev. Robin Hynicka, pastor of Arch Street United Methodist Church, reiterated his church’s commitment to being a “justice-seeking, reconciling, sanctuary congregation.” During the previous Trump administration, his church provided asylum to an immigrant until he secured a visa. Hynicka explained that their mission transcends simply providing immediate shelter, advocating for comprehensive policy changes that extend sanctuary to all aspects of life.
Other faith leaders, though not as specific in their plans, have vowed to enhance their support for undocumented migrants in response to new government guidelines allowing arrests in places like churches and schools. Rev. Joseph Dutan, from St. Paul the Apostle in Queens, mentioned the growing anxiety among his congregation, with individuals fearing for their safety when attending Mass. It truly saddens him to witness this fear among those he serves.
Rev. Manuel Rodriguez from Our Lady of Sorrows Church also acknowledged the palpable anxiety experienced by many in his parish of 17,000, where numerous parishioners are undocumented. He shared the distressing image of children trembling and crying, acutely aware that their parents could be taken away at any moment. He voiced the sorrow felt within these communities as they strive to provide for their families in a climate of uncertainty.
At Masjid Ansaru-Deen in the Bronx, Imam Omar Niass has opened the mosque’s doors to migrants, insisting that no one should be left homeless or without shelter due to changing immigration policies. His faith informs his conviction that God ultimately oversees the situation, stating that policy changes cannot override divine will.
Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas called the policy shift alarming, indicating it spreads fear among communities who seek comfort while worshipping or accessing healthcare. He pledged his diocese’s commitment to educating congregants about their rights and providing legal assistance to help counteract the impacts of indiscriminate enforcement practices.
This sentiment was echoed by leaders from the Catholic Health Association and Catholic Charities, who expressed concerns about how these policy changes might deter immigrants from engaging with essential services, thereby jeopardizing community relationships built over time.
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa voiced his worries for the 52 pastors under his supervision, most of whom are undocumented and integral to community support. He highlighted how some of these pastors have lived in the country for decades and contribute significantly to their neighborhoods.
Pastor Maria Elena Montalvo from Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bell, a Los Angeles suburb, shared how fear now permeates her community, with many hesitant to engage in daily life due to potential encounters with immigration enforcement. Having once been in similar circumstances as an emigrant from Mexico, Montalvo remains fiercely dedicated to advocating for migrants and refugees.
In the greater Los Angeles area, Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton is taking measures to inform migrants of their rights. While his team is still developing comprehensive strategies to support affected families, they’ve already begun implementing small initiatives, like grocery deliveries to individuals too fearful to leave their homes.
David Hollenbach, a Jesuit priest, affirmed the historical relevance of religious institutions as sanctuaries for the vulnerable, linking this to the teachings of Jesus as a refugee himself. The moral imperative to assist migrants remains a powerful ethos in many faith communities.
Among some evangelical leaders, reactions have varied. The Rev. Robert Jeffress, a supporter of Trump, dismissed some clergy’s concerns, maintaining that sanctuary does not exempt congregations from upholding the law. He added, however, that it’s unlikely churches would be targeted first for enforcement actions.
Brent Leatherwood from the Southern Baptist Convention highlighted the necessity of reforming immigration systems without imposing undue burdens on pastors or jeopardizing the safety of law-abiding immigrants attending church. He cautioned that the new policies could lead to higher levels of fear among communities simply seeking to practice their faith.
