Minneapolis Church Responds to Community Needs Amid ICE Crackdown

In response to a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the Twin Cities, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy, a Minneapolis church serving a predominantly Hispanic congregation, has initiated a food drive to support vulnerable community members. Pastor Sergio Amezcua observed that many individuals were too afraid to leave their homes due to the heightened enforcement, leading to food insecurity among families. “They’re afraid to go out. They’re not going to work. And some of them are starving,” Amezcua stated, highlighting the dire situation faced by many in the community.

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The church's efforts began in mid-December 2022, coinciding with the intensified ICE presence. In a Facebook post, the church expressed its commitment to assist those in need, stating, “If you are in need of pantry delivery right now, we are here to serve you.” Within days, the initiative gained momentum, with 2,000 individuals signing up for grocery delivery assistance. By Martin Luther King Jr. Day, approximately 24,000 families had registered for help, and the church had delivered 12,000 boxes of groceries in just six weeks.

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Currently, the church is packing around 1,300 boxes of food daily, supported by approximately 400 volunteers. The food is sourced through donation networks such as Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group, with additional monetary contributions from community members. Amezcua emphasized the ongoing need for assistance, stating, “They need help. We still have a lot to do.”

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The local police department, led by Chief Brian O'Hara, has also contributed to the effort by sending community service officers to assist with food distribution. Amezcua expressed gratitude for this support, noting, “We’re really grateful to the local authorities, like the mayor.”

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Pastor Amezcua has been vocal about his discontent with the current administration's immigration policies, stating, “From a conservative pastor, what Donald Trump and the White House is doing is horrible, and we feel betrayed by him.” He highlighted the struggles faced by the immigrant community, particularly Latinos and Somalis, asserting, “Our immigrant community... are going through hell. That’s not the America that we know.”

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Despite these challenges, the church's efforts have fostered a sense of hope and community resilience. Amezcua remarked on the outpouring of support, stating, “There is a path forward — one defined by love and goodwill.”

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The church continues to encourage local residents to volunteer or donate to support their food drive. Interested individuals can visit the church at 5728 Cedar Avenue South on designated days to participate in packing efforts. The church reassures the community, “You are not alone. We are praying for you and your household.”

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• “They’re afraid to go out. They’re not going to work. And some of them are starving,” — Pastor Sergio Amezcua, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy

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• “From a conservative pastor, what Donald Trump and the White House is doing is horrible, and we feel betrayed by him,” — Pastor Sergio Amezcua, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy

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• “and by the help of thousands of volunteers that we have in our network.” — Pastor Sergio Amezcua, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy

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