As Donald Trump gears up for a potential second term, many churches are reevaluating their approach to providing sanctuary for undocumented immigrants.
Leaders from the Columbus Mennonite Church in Ohio met recently to deliberate their response to Trump’s plan for intensified immigration enforcement, which prominently includes mounting deportation efforts.
Historical Context of the Sanctuary Movement
The sanctuary movement has historically been a pivotal support system for individuals at risk of deportation.
During Trump’s first term, this church successfully provided shelter for a woman with a deportation order for over three years.
Now, congregants are grappling with how they might modify their support for migrants, especially as Trump signals intentions to revoke existing policies that have previously dissuaded ICE from conducting arrests in houses of worship.
At the recent gathering, church members took part in a presentation that traced the roots of the sanctuary movement back to the 1980s.
They examined how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies have evolved since 2011, specifically regarding practices intended to limit arrests at sensitive locations such as churches.
However, alarming reports from NBC indicate that Trump plans to dismantle these protective guidelines upon taking office.
Concerns Among Religious Communities
Enthusiasm for continuing to support immigrants dominated discussions at the meeting, yet many participants hesitated to commit to the traditional role of sanctuary.
The pastor of Columbus Mennonite Church acknowledged a shift in perceptions, indicating that the concept of sheltering vulnerable individuals now carries greater risks than it did previously.
Concerns echoed among pastors from North Carolina who provided sanctuary during Trump’s earlier administration.
They expressed doubt about the safety of their congregations and the protection they could reliably offer to those seeking refuge.
During Trump’s first term, 71 undocumented individuals publicly declared their status as sanctuary seekers, while many others likely remained private cases, obscuring the full scope of the movement.
With Trump escalating calls for mass deportation and a potential retraction of protective measures, congregations are increasingly apprehensive about the sanctuary model’s viability.
Future of Sanctuary Practices
Previously, ICE largely respected a 2011 advisory dissuading raids at sensitive sites—these included not just churches, but schools and hospitals as well.
These guidelines were reinforced in 2021 by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who emphasized these areas as “protected locations.”
The prospect of Trump overturning these protections has ignited unease in numerous religious communities, which view the sanctuary movement as essential for assisting undocumented individuals.
Traditionally, churches practicing public sanctuary informed both their local communities and ICE about whom they were sheltering.
However, strategies may require significant adjustments in light of the new political landscape.
Experts in immigration law advise caution in making hasty decisions concerning sanctuary policies.
One legal expert pointed out that the designation of “protected areas” holds no legal weight; it serves primarily as advisory guidance.
He underscored that ICE’s future actions will likely reflect public sentiment rather than conform strictly to formal regulations.
Amidst this uncertainty, Columbus Mennonite Church continues to explore its options.
The congregation formerly provided sanctuary for Edith Espinal, a mother of three, until her departure from sanctuary in February 2021, following the Biden administration’s changes in enforcement priorities.
Espinal remains connected to the church and attends services whenever possible.
The space once dedicated to sanctuary has now evolved, recently accommodating asylum seekers from various regions.
The church is still determining how best to utilize these facilities moving forward, but its commitment to mutual support and sanctuary shines through.
Members are actively engaged in discussions and planning efforts as they navigate the complexities of immigration advocacy in this uncertain climate.
Source: Religionnews
