Caring for Our Communities Amid Increased Immigration Enforcement

Recent news articles indicate that ICE has begun a new surge in San Diego, with increased statewide enforcement expected in the coming weeks. Federal authorities have not publicly confirmed the operation’s full scope; these reports understandably create fear and uncertainty for many of our neighbors, including members of our congregations.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors and respect the dignity of every human being. These are not simply ideals we profess in worship. They are promises we make in baptism, and they carry particular importance when members of our communities are afraid for their safety or the well-being of their families.

Our first responsibility is to care for people. Please be attentive to those in your congregations and neighborhoods who may be experiencing fear or uncertainty. Reach out with compassion, listen to their concerns, and remind them that they are valued members of our communities. Remind them that our churches remain places where people are welcomed, supported, and treated with dignity.

EDSD has previously shared guidance to help congregations prepare for possible interactions with immigration enforcement. We encourage every congregation to review these resources and take the following practical steps:

• Review your congregation’s response plan. Identify who is authorized to speak with ICE agents, designate a backup, and ensure staff, ushers, and ministry leaders understand whom to contact if agents arrive.
• Understand public and private spaces. Immigration officers may generally enter public areas of church property without a warrant. Entry into private areas generally requires consent or a judicial warrant. Review which spaces are restricted and who is authorized to grant access.
• Verify identification and documentation. If ICE agents arrive, remain calm. Ask for identification, the purpose of the visit, and any warrant. A judicial warrant signed by a judge is different from an administrative immigration warrant. Request a copy and seek legal guidance when necessary.
• Do not obstruct enforcement activities. Clergy and staff should remain respectful, avoid physical interference, and never provide false information. You may decline to consent to a search of private areas where consent is legally required. Document interactions when it is safe and lawful to do so.
• Help families prepare. Make Know Your Rights information and family preparedness resources available in the languages spoken in your community. Help people connect with qualified immigration legal assistance when needed.
• Contact diocesan leadership. If ICE conducts enforcement activity on your church property or someone in your congregation is detained, contact the Bishop’s office promptly through Canon Jason Evans at jevans@edsd.org.

Additional guidance, including our Immigration Fact Sheet, legal resources, and more, is available at edsd.org/migration-ministry.

Detailed advocacy response guidance is available at edsd.org/courageous-love-in-action.

Our calling in this moment is not to respond with fear, but with faithful preparation and courageous love. We cannot remove every uncertainty facing our neighbors, but we can make certain that no one faces these challenges without the care, prayers, and support of their church community.

Please hold in prayer those who are frightened, families facing separation, and everyone whose lives are affected by immigration enforcement. May God give us wisdom in our decisions, courage in our actions, and compassion in our care for one another.