An immigration enforcement guideline change that allows officers to make arrests in “sensitive locations” including churches means Hispanic churches are “susceptible to disruption and intrusion,” the executive director of Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas stated.
“As a family of churches committed to serving vulnerable populations and ministering in our communities, we are deeply grieved by the recent decision to revoke the policy prohibiting immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations, including places of worship,” Jesse Rincones said in a statement from Convención.
Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, issued a directive Jan. 20 rescinding the Biden administration’s guidelines for Customs and Border Protection and for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The directive removed a prohibition on officers taking immigration enforcement actions in “sensitive areas” such as churches, schools and hospitals.
“This action means that our congregations are susceptible to disruption and intrusion during worship services, Bible studies, community ministries, outreaches and other ministries that serve the community,” Rincones stated on behalf of Convención.
On Jan. 26, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers took into custody a man attending worship services at a Hispanic church in Tucker, Ga., Pastor Luiz Ortiz told CNN.
‘Continue ministering boldly and faithfully’
“While we affirm the importance of public safety, we reject any action that undermines the ability of churches to provide spiritual, emotional and physical care to vulnerable individuals,” Ricones stated.
“This policy shift risks driving immigrant communities further into the shadows, cutting them off from essential spiritual, social and physical support that churches and other sensitive locations provide.”
The Convención statement calls on the Trump administration to “reconsider this harmful policy and to reinstate the sensitive locations guidelines that have allowed churches to remain safe and accessible to all, regardless of immigration status.”
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The statement also encourages churches to “continue ministering boldly and faithfully.”
“Do not allow fear to deter you from serving the vulnerable, the marginalized and the stranger in our midst,” the statement reads.
“Together, let us advocate for a more compassionate approach that honors the dignity of every individual and safeguards the church’s ministry and the sanctity of our spaces of worship and service.
“We will continue to pray for wisdom for our leaders and for protection and provision for the communities we serve.”
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