As immigration enforcement policies undergo significant changes, Latino evangelical churches across Southeastern U.S. face growing apprehensions. With recent policy shifts allowing immigration actions at sensitive locations, including churches, communities now find themselves on edge.
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa, responsible for the Church of God of Prophecy's congregations in nine southeastern states, emphasizes preparedness amid uncertainty. Our motto is to prepare for the worst and pray for the best, says De La Rosa, addressing the delicate situation faced by 32 Latino pastors threatened by deportation due to lack of legal status. These leaders operate in some of the most vulnerable communities, significantly impacted by the potential enforcement within their sacred spaces. To mitigate disruptions, De La Rosa has advised congregations to prepare lay leaders ready to step in if pastors are deported, and to livestream services as a precautionary measure.
This unease is echoed by multiple faith leaders who voice concerns about maintaining the sanctity and safety of their places of worship. These new directives follow an executive order from the President which empowers Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce immigration laws broadly, potentially challenging these sanctuaries.
Agustin Quiles, spokesperson for the Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Councils and Evangelical Institutions, expresses the discontent within the community, many of whom felt disillusioned upon supporting President Trump. Quiles points out that prevailing messages label undocumented individuals as criminals, disregarding the conservative values held by Latino evangelicals. His organization plans to lobby lawmakers in Washington and Florida to protect worship spaces, emphasizing the importance of family unity and the impact on children facing separations.
In contrast, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, from the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, reassures that active forceful entries into churches are highly unlikely. Nonetheless, surveillance may occur if criminal activity is suspected. This deeper implication hints at a nuanced situation where even individuals with longstanding ties in the United States might face deportation.
Furthermore, The National Association of Evangelicals expressed dismay at these changes, which could deter attendance and participation in sacred services. Various pastors report congregants avoiding public spaces, including workplaces and community services, out of fear of deportation.
Meanwhile, The Rev. Ruben Ortiz highlights that Latino churches have historically provided community sanctuary without governmental aid. He recounts an incident near an Atlanta church where an individual faced arrest, fueling the unease among community members.
Despite potential legal ambiguities, legal experts like Thomas A. Saenz from the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, stress the constitutional rights protecting worshipers, assuring that outright raids would violate these rights. At the same time, the possibility of targeting individuals attending such spaces remains a concern.
Lloyd Barba, an Amherst College professor, notes the unique position of Latino evangelicals, who rely on diverse theological teachings compared to more unified denominations, leading to varied responses across congregations regarding immigration.
Bishop Abner Adorno, from the Assemblies of God, advocates for embracing biblical teachings on welcoming foreigners. He references Deuteronomy 10:19, underscoring a faith-driven call for compassion. While the government's role is enforcement, the church's duty remains rooted in compassion, Adorno concludes, encapsulating the complex emotions facing many congregations.