As of January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its prior guidelines protecting “sensitive locations” \u2014 including churches \u2014 from immigration enforcement. This means ICE and CBP are no longer formally restricted from conducting enforcement actions at or near places of worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This document contains pastoral recommendations \u2014 not legal advice. <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 offices, classrooms, or restricted spaces \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Remain calm and respectful<\/p> 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.<\/p><\/div><\/div> Spokesperson approaches officers<\/p> 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.”<\/p><\/div><\/div> Pause the service if necessary<\/p> If the situation is escalating, pause the service to assess and ensure safety \u2014 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.<\/p><\/div><\/div> Address the congregation<\/p> 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?”<\/p><\/div><\/div> Remind congregants of their rights<\/p> Remind people of their constitutional rights \u2014 including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. This helps protect individuals and ensures they respond appropriately.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \u201cGood 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?\u201d<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 even in tense or emotional moments. Below are the key principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n Take deep breaths. Speak slowly and intentionally. Staying calm sets the tone for the entire interaction \u2014 others will often mirror your calmness.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p><\/div><\/details>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\n<\/p> Isaiah 41:10<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.\n<\/p> Philippians 4:6-7<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.\n<\/p> Psalm 46:1<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.<\/p> Psalm 34:18<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.\n<\/p> Matthew 25:35-36<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p> Proverbs 31:8-9<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.\n<\/p> Isaiah 1:17<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 1 \u2014 Proactive Steps Before Any Enforcement Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A. Define the Church's Stance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
B. Training and Preparation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
C. Designate a Spokesperson<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2 \u2014 If Immigration Enforcement Arrives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 3 \u2014 Managing Children's Ministry During an Enforcement Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 4 \u2014 Advocacy and Spiritual Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 5 \u2014 Legal Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Non-Violent Communication Principles for Church Leaders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Observations vs. Evaluations<\/summary>
Expressing Feelings vs. Making Blame Statements<\/summary>
Needs vs. Strategies<\/summary>
Making Requests vs. Demands<\/summary>
Stay Present and Calm<\/summary>
Use "I" Statements<\/summary>
Acknowledge Needs and Limitations<\/summary>
Make Requests for Cooperation<\/summary>
Listen Actively<\/summary>
Stay Focused on Solutions, Not Blame<\/summary>
Biblical Encouragement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n