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Should The Church And Faith-based Organizations Comply With ICE?

  • Mar 2
  • 3 min read

By Akili Smith


Tensions between citizens and federal immigration enforcement (ICE) have risen in Minnesota after a number of events that occurred between December and February. The death of 37-year-old single mom Renee Good, the killing of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti, the detention of a 5-year-old boy, and the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon during his coverage of a church protest have all come to a head.


Churches tend to be sacred spaces for sanctuary, worship, and spiritual purposes. However, what are churches and its members supposed to do when it comes into town?


Photo Credits: Adobe Stock
Photo Credits: Adobe Stock

It appears that many clergy members have taken a stand against ICE as they were spotted protesting and being arrested. Among them are Rev. Katherine Lewis of St. David's Episcopal Church., Rev. Daniel Ruth, executive director of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry, and Rev. Amanda Lunemann of Grace United Methodist Church, according to CBS news, because they were protesting at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.


Another protest was held in St. Paul at Cities Church, targeting Pastor David Easterwood who is said to be the acting director for ICE in St. Paul, according to USA Today.


This has led to many questioning the relationship between immigration enforcement and faith communities.


Barry Professor of Theology Claudiavanesa Cifuentes helps us understand the difference between the role of state authority and moral boundaries.


“The church respects and recognizes the desire for a country to protect its borders. Because ICE is a service that protects the borders of a country, the church doesn't speak against the service, but against any illegal and inappropriate treatment that may be used,” she said.


While Cifuentes believes that ICE as a federal entity must be respected, not everything ICE does may coincide with the church's beliefs, whether it be the whole church or just its members.


“The church knows that human beings are political beings and respects this very much,” she said.


A Barry student who wishes to remain anonymous, however, has an opposing view when asked about this current timeline in our U.S history.


“This moment says that no matter the evidence, the government will always protect law enforcement and that’s a very scary thing,” she said.


It is clear that the idea of churches remaining protected spaces does matter to people emotionally.


Professor Cifuentes states that “churches, along with hospitals, have always been considered apolitical.”


Samarra Smith, the social media manager for the Catholic Students Fellowship, a faith-based student organization at Barry, said, “It’s really important for students that places of worship feel protected and neutral. A lot of students go to these spaces to feel safe, calm, and supported.... If those spaces feel tense or political, it can take away from the peace and comfort people are looking for.”


While the goal of the church is to remain neutral, it must also abide by law, said Cifuentes.


“When criminals use churches to not face justice, the state has always expected the church to not allow criminals to remain on the premises. This includes murderers, rapists, etc.,” she said.


So, should the same action be for those who have remained in a country without lawful paperwork to be there?


Students appear to be answering this question on their own.


“I also think it’s okay for churches to speak up about important issues, especially when it comes to justice, compassion and helping others. As long as it’s done respectfully, churches can balance being a safe space while also encouraging positive change,” said Smith, whose viewpoint is supported by the anonymous student.


The unnamed Barry student believes that “churches is where we should be protesting more because God would never stand for anything that is happening....these events make me feel more motivated to speak out about injustice.”


Cifuentes also adds that “the church has and will always speak out against government actions that are contrary to Christian doctrine, like euthanasia, abortion, etc.” because it corresponds to the central theology concept of the “image and likeness of God.”


In the end, she said, “The church desires for everyone to be treated appropriately.”


As the Minnesota ICE protests rage, it has highlighted the interconnection between state and federal authority and religious spaces. Faith-based organizations and churches are meant to foster a supportive safe space for people regardless of political views. Yet this has led many people to navigate where faith, justice and advocacy intertwine.


“These events often spark deeper conversations, debates and awareness, and they can push students to get more involved in activism or community service. They also help students see how faith connects to real-world issues,” said Smith.

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