About This Manual
As of January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its prior guidelines protecting “sensitive locations” — including churches — from immigration enforcement. This means ICE and CBP are no longer formally restricted from conducting enforcement actions at or near places of worship.
This manual, published by the National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), provides pastors and church leaders with recommendations on how to respond if immigration enforcement occurs in your congregation. It outlines general steps to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected, as well as guidance on potential legal considerations related to church spaces.
This document contains pastoral recommendations — not legal advice. Every situation is unique and laws vary by location. Consult your own legal counsel to understand the specific implications and protections that apply to your church and congregation.
A note on warrants and church spaces: Churches are generally considered public spaces since they are open to anyone. Law enforcement may not need a warrant to enter public areas of your church. However, private areas — offices, classrooms, or restricted spaces — are afforded greater protection. Law enforcement typically requires a warrant or explicit permission to enter those areas. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your church.
Step 1 — Proactive Steps Before Any Enforcement Action
A. Define the Church's Stance
- Establish a clear, written policy on how the church will respond to immigration enforcement actions
- Share the church’s stance with leadership, staff, and congregation members to ensure everyone is informed and aligned
- A clear policy creates consistency and reduces confusion in the moment
B. Training and Preparation
- Conduct training for church staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers on how to handle immigration enforcement scenarios
- Training should cover: legal rights of churchgoers and staff, how to interact respectfully with law enforcement, de-escalation techniques (Non-Violent Communication), responsibilities of the designated spokesperson, and how to support congregants emotionally and spiritually
- Hold training regularly — especially when new policies are introduced — and offer additional sessions as needed
- Distribute the Know Your Rights document: Download Rights to Know Document
- Encourage immigrant parents to consider a Power of Attorney for their children — consult your attorney for legal guidance: Download POA Template
C. Designate a Spokesperson
- Identify and train leaders who are US citizens to serve as the church’s spokesperson during any enforcement action
- The spokesperson should be calm, knowledgeable about the law, and able to handle law enforcement interactions respectfully
- Spokesperson responsibilities: communicate with law enforcement respectfully, be familiar with the church’s legal rights and those of the congregation, and serve as the main point of contact between officers and the church
Step 2 — If Immigration Enforcement Arrives
Remain calm and respectful
Encourage everyone to stay calm, remain in place, and stay respectful. Walking away or running may be perceived as an attempt to flee and could unintentionally increase tension.
Spokesperson approaches officers
The designated spokesperson should approach officers calmly. Example: “Good afternoon, officers. I understand you are here for a reason, and I respectfully ask that you provide your warrant or explain the nature of your visit. I’d also like to inform you that we are a place of worship engaged in ministry.”
Pause the service if necessary
If the situation is escalating, pause the service to assess and ensure safety — especially if arrests or detentions are imminent, if officers begin interacting with congregants, or if the spokesperson needs a moment to speak with law enforcement.
Address the congregation
Ask officers for permission to briefly address the congregation. Example: “May I take a moment to address our congregation to ensure they understand their rights and the situation?”
Remind congregants of their rights
Remind people of their constitutional rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This helps protect individuals and ensures they respond appropriately.
“Good morning/afternoon. I am the pastor/spokesperson for this congregation. We are in the middle of a worship service. May I ask the nature of your visit? Do you have a judicial warrant?”
Step 3 — Managing Children's Ministry During an Enforcement Action
- Children’s ministry leaders should remain calm and keep children calm — do not tell children to panic; maintain order and offer reassurance
- If parents want to retrieve their children, inform the officers that parents wish to connect with their children and follow the agents’ instructions
- If allowed, escort parents calmly to their children — instruct everyone not to run, as it could be misinterpreted
- If parents are not allowed to retrieve children, reassure them that their children are safe with trained leaders
- Keep the spokesperson informed about the situation in children’s ministry so they can act accordingly
Step 4 — Advocacy and Spiritual Support
- Reaffirm the church’s commitment to ministry and support for all people, regardless of immigration status
- Encourage the congregation to speak out on behalf of those who may be vulnerable or unjustly targeted
- Engage with local advocacy groups to provide resources or support for those impacted by enforcement actions
- If individuals are detained, offer ongoing pastoral care and connect families with legal and social resources — example: “We are here to support you spiritually during this time. We will pray with you and help connect you with legal assistance.”
Step 5 — Legal Considerations
- Right to record: If the law allows, record the enforcement action with a phone or other device for documentation — this creates a record of the interaction that can protect congregants and the church
- Continue live-streaming if applicable: If your church is live-streaming services, continue the stream during the enforcement action for transparency and documentation
- Review insurance: Ensure the church’s insurance policies are up to date, including Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance, general liability, and property insurance
Non-Violent Communication Principles for Church Leaders
Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is an approach that fosters empathy, understanding, and respectful dialogue during high-stress situations. Church leaders trained in NVC can guide the congregation and engage with law enforcement effectively — even in tense or emotional moments. Below are the key principles.
Observations vs. Evaluations
Focus on describing facts without judgment. Instead of “The police are being aggressive,” say: “Law enforcement has arrived and is entering the building.” This reduces defensive responses and describes the situation in neutral terms.
Expressing Feelings vs. Making Blame Statements
Use “I feel” statements. Instead of “You’re putting our children at risk,” say: “I feel concerned about the safety of our children.” This prevents blame and promotes open, honest communication.
Needs vs. Strategies
Identify the needs behind the feelings. Instead of “You need to stop being aggressive,” say: “I need assurance that our community will be treated with dignity.” This shifts toward constructive dialogue and solutions.
Making Requests vs. Demands
Frame communication as requests, not demands. Instead of “Show me the warrant!” say: “Could you please show us the warrant you have for this action?” This fosters cooperation and reduces defensiveness.
Stay Present and Calm
Take deep breaths. Speak slowly and intentionally. Staying calm sets the tone for the entire interaction — others will often mirror your calmness.
Use "I" Statements
Say “I feel,” “I am concerned,” or “I am asking for.” Example: “I feel worried for the well-being of my congregation and ask that you be respectful of their space.” This owns your feelings without blaming others.
Acknowledge Needs and Limitations
Acknowledge both the church’s needs and law enforcement’s responsibilities. Example: “I understand that you have a job to do and need to ensure security, but we also have a responsibility to serve our community.” This creates a foundation for cooperation.
Make Requests for Cooperation
Frame communication as a request for collaboration. Example: “I request that you allow us to speak with you one-on-one to explain what is happening before we proceed.” This signals willingness to engage in dialogue.
Listen Actively
Give full attention to what is being said and reflect it back. Example: “I hear that you need to conduct this operation. Can you clarify what the next steps will be?” Active listening creates mutual respect and makes de-escalation more possible.
Stay Focused on Solutions, Not Blame
Shift the conversation toward finding solutions. Instead of “Why are you doing this here?” say: “How can we work together to ensure the safety and dignity of everyone present?” This keeps dialogue productive.
Biblical Encouragement
Our prayer is that this manual is never needed. But if the time comes when it must be used, we pray it serves as a reasonable resource to guide church leaders in making decisions that protect the dignity, rights, and safety of all congregants. In times of uncertainty and challenge, our call as church leaders is to be calm, steadfast, and compassionate.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Matthew 25:35-36
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 1:17
This resource is produced by NaLEC (National Latino Evangelical Coalition). © 2025 NaLEC. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission for educational use.