Introduction to these resources

Our church buildings housing our worship spaces, schools, pre-schools, daycare facilities, food pantries, clothing ministries, etc... have been considered sensitive locations.

On January 22, 2025 The Department of Homeland Security revoked previous guidance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding enforcement actions at or near sensitive locations, including places of worship, schools, and hospitals. The “sensitive location” policy was initially established in 2011 for ICE, then in 2021, the “protected
grounds” memo clarified what ICE and CBP should do in areas of special protection. While ICE activity has always been permissible with a warrant and in exigent circumstances, the removal of all guidance is cause for concern.

The threat of immigration enforcement at places of worship may prevent people from attending religious services and going to places of worship, seeking food, clothing, childcare, or school for their children. I respect the right of our country to secure the country and its borders, and greatly appreciate the work of law enforcement; however, these new changes are disturbing many families and could end up not making us safer but could separate families or make them not show up to church, or school or the hospital when they need assistance.

We understand that natural disasters, hunger, conflict, and violence sometimes obligate someone to make the difficult choice to leave their home country. This decision is not made lightly. Immigrants share their histories, traditions, cultures, languages and experiences enriching us all. The ELCA was once an immigrant church, so this experience deeply resonates with many of us. It is this country’s obligation to provide everyone with due process. Regardless of someone’s status, they deserve to be treated with respect, and their God-given dignity upheld.

The ELCA Office for Witness in Society, AMPARRO, and many in our Churchwide Offices are working closely with Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) to interpret, analyze, and resource our church body, synods, and congregations, and non-profits as we accompany and advocate for our neighbors, who are immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. These resources are coming as quickly as possible.  We are hearing from partners at LSI and other local nonprofits regarding their resources and responses and will share as much as possible at the link above In addition, Pastor Minna Bothwell, Capitol Hill Lutheran, has shared resources that she and her congregation have put together for such a time as this.   

If you are working closely with individuals and families, I encourage you to consult with immigration agencies and an attorney. 

I invite you to pay attention to these resources, to our call to welcome the stranger and love our neighbor, and also to measure and analyze your personal risk as "harboring" and "aiding and abetting" are real risks for arrest. 

Remembering, of course, that not all of us are called to or engaged in active ministry with immigrants, I am still inclined to share the resources so that you might know where to look if a need arises. 

Peace, 

Bishop Current