The recent shift in immigration policy under the Trump administration has ignited significant worry among Latino evangelical congregations.
Longstanding protections that prohibited immigration enforcement at sensitive sites like churches have been overturned, leading faith leaders to question the safety of their sacred spaces and the potential for immigration raids disrupting their communities.
Concerns Among Church Leaders
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa, who oversees Church of God of Prophecy congregations in nine states across the Southeast, is feeling the weight of these changes.
With 32 of his 70 pastors in the U.S. lacking legal status, the potential for deportation hangs over the heads of those serving vulnerable populations in the area.
In response, he has advised congregations to prepare by training three lay members to step into leadership roles in case a pastor is targeted.
Additionally, live streaming services has been recommended to document church activities, ensuring there is a record in times of crisis.
Some pastors have even conducted services with doors locked, fearful of unannounced visits by immigration officials.
This apprehension speaks to a broader unease felt by many faith leaders who are dedicated to supporting thousands of Latino evangelical Christians throughout Florida and nearby regions.
Their greatest concern? The sanctity of their worship spaces amid heightened enforcement actions.
Impact on the Community
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security made it clear that the president’s executive orders empower Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enforce immigration laws aggressively, indicating that individuals with criminal histories are no longer shielded by their presence in schools and churches.
Agustin Quiles, from the Florida Fellowship of Hispanic Councils and Evangelical Institutions, pointed out that even some Trump supporters from the last election cycle are now feeling disillusioned.
He noted that recent rhetoric often connects undocumented people to crime, prompting a growing number of Latino evangelicals—many of whom typically align with conservative values—to reevaluate these developments.
Quiles stressed the emotional pain families are enduring, and he emphasized that churches are experiencing this distress firsthand.
He also mentioned that his organization intends to advocate for legislative reforms at both the state and federal levels, aiming to restore protections for sensitive locations such as houses of worship.
The primary focus of these initiatives is to keep families intact and shield children who could be left vulnerable if their parents are removed.
Faith in Action
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and a former Trump advisor on immigration, expressed that he has received assurances that churches will not be targeted directly.
While he maintains that there’s no need to fear for church safety, he does acknowledge the possibility that surveillance could occur if agents suspect criminal activity within church premises.
The National Association of Evangelicals has raised alarms about the recent executive order, noting that repealing guidance that protects houses of worship from immigration enforcement has not only generated concerns but has also led to dwindling attendance at religious services.
Rev. Esteban Rodriguez, who leads a mid-sized Church of God of Prophecy congregation, has noticed rising anxiety among his congregation, hampering participation and complicating even basic needs.
He is actively helping members with immigration application letters and seeking legal guidance to enhance the church’s support for its community.
Rev. Ruben Ortiz, Latino field coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, recounted an unsettling experience when an arrest occurred outside a church during services.
He shared that members have reached out, expressing fears that disrupt their sense of safety in the church environment.
In turn, he reaffirmed the church’s dedication to providing sanctuary, regardless of anyone’s immigration status.
Thomas A. Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, advises that while large-scale raids may be improbable, specific individuals attending church services could still be singled out.
Bishop Abner Adorno from the Assemblies of God in Florida reiterated the importance of maintaining compassion for immigrants and refugees, even amid the government’s more stringent focus on enforcement.
As immigration conversations unfold, Latino evangelicals find themselves influenced by the stances of predominantly conservative white evangelical communities, complicating their understanding of immigration issues.
According to religion professor Lloyd Barba, many Latino evangelical groups lack a systematic approach to immigration advocacy similar to that seen in more traditional denominations.
As a result, pastors may feel uncertain about how to mobilize for their communities in the face of tough immigration policies.
Despite these challenges, many within the Latino evangelical community are choosing to root their actions in their faith.
They emphasize scripture that calls for love and compassion towards the vulnerable, including immigrants, as they navigate this tumultuous landscape.
Source: Religionnews
