Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on ICE Accountability

In recent months, immigrant and refugee communities across the United States have expressed heightened fears due to aggressive immigration enforcement actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Faith leaders, particularly from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), are calling on Congress to take immediate action to hold ICE accountable and protect sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare facilities, and schools. The BJC emphasizes that these enforcement actions have included armed raids on church properties, intimidation of faith leaders, and have resulted in significant community disruption and fear.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

The BJC is advocating for the passage of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which aims to safeguard religious and community spaces from ICE enforcement. This legislation is seen as crucial to preserving religious freedom and human dignity, as it seeks to prevent immigration enforcement from infringing upon the ability of individuals to gather, worship, and seek care without fear of deportation. The BJC highlights that over 30 individuals have died in ICE custody, and recent incidents, including the shooting of Renee Good, underscore the urgent need for reform and oversight of ICE practices.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

The BJC has issued a call to action for individuals of faith to contact their elected representatives, urging them to support the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act and to hold ICE accountable by withholding funding. They assert that religious freedom is not merely a constitutional principle but a lived reality that requires proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities. The BJC's message emphasizes that the current climate of fear undermines the very essence of religious freedom.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

While the BJC and other advocates push for legislative changes, there are critics who argue that such measures could hinder necessary immigration enforcement. Some lawmakers express concerns that limiting ICE's operational capacity may lead to increased risks for national security and public safety. However, proponents of the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act argue that the legislation is essential for maintaining the integrity of community spaces and protecting human rights.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

• “ICE is acting with impunity and Congress needs to hold them accountable.” — BJC Statement

A Call to Protect Sacred Space: Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on ICE Accountability — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

• “When fear prevents our neighbors from worshiping, gathering, or receiving care, religious freedom itself is diminished.” — BJC Statement

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

• “Religious freedom is not sustained by words alone.” — BJC Statement

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

As advocacy efforts continue, the BJC encourages individuals to join or form local groups dedicated to protecting religious liberty and resisting the encroachment of immigration enforcement on sacred spaces. The urgency of the situation calls for immediate engagement from both faith communities and lawmakers to ensure that the rights of all individuals to live and worship freely are upheld.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA