Faith-filled Resistance to Immigration Enforcement

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics—including deputizing state and local police, deploying National Guard troops to cities, and using masked, unmarked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to detain suspected non-citizens—have escalated fear, anxiety, and family separation across the United States.

In response to this turbulent period, many people of faith are turning to Scripture for guidance and engaging in unprecedented acts of solidarity with immigrants. A frequently cited passage from Leviticus 19:33–34 reads:

“When a stranger resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the stranger who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself, for you too were once strangers in the land of Egypt. I, the LORD, am your God.”

Church Leaders Urge Compassion

Guided by this biblical call, religious communities are taking action. On September 28, Catholics in Washington, D.C., held a procession in solidarity with immigrants, culminating in a Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral. Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archdiocese of Washington, centered his homily on “hope amidst adversity,” emphasizing the Church’s primary obligation: “to embrace in a sustained, unwavering, prophetic and compassionate way the immigrants who are suffering so deeply because of the oppression they are facing.”

Reflecting on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Cardinal McElroy highlighted how the Samaritan was willing to “reject the norms of society” that would have excused him from helping a Jewish victim. He made clear, however, that he was not disputing the government’s obligation to protect its borders and provide security, particularly concerning the removal of those convicted of serious crimes. Similar faith-based processions have been reported in cities including El Paso, Detroit, Atlanta, and Seattle.

Vigils and Walks for Justice

Across the country, groups are holding vigils at detention centers and ICE facilities to express support for their immigrant neighbors.

In New York City, the New Sanctuary Coalition organizes “Jericho Walks,” silent, interfaith processions inspired by the biblical story of Joshua. Participants prayerfully circle the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building—site of dramatic, daily detentions by masked ICE agents—seven times.

Not far away, interfaith groups maintain daily prayer vigils outside the privately-run Delaney Hall Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey, which was the scene of significant unrest and an escape attempt in June 2025 due to overcrowding and poor conditions.

In San Diego, Bishop Michael Pham, a refugee who fled Vietnam in 1980, and other clergy members participate in a program called FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope). They offer prayer and pastoral care to immigrants navigating court hearings and encountering ICE agents at the courthouse.

Seeking Access to the Detained

One of the most profound acts of solidarity has been the repeated attempts by clergy, religious sisters, and laity to bring the Eucharist to detainees at the Broadview Detention Center near Chicago. The facility processed over 5,200 individuals between January and July 2025.

Despite repeated formal requests, both an initial October 11 attempt involving several hundred supporters, and a larger November 1 event led by Chicago Auxiliary Bishop José María Garcia-Maldonado and over 2,000 faithful, were denied entry by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. Officials cited “safety and security reasons and because of the transitory nature of the facility” for the refusal.

Similarly, in Florida, Bishop Thomas Wenski of Miami joined the “Knights on Bikes” (motorcycle-riding Knights of Columbus members) to pray outside the notorious
“Alligator Alcatraz” detention center in the Everglades, demanding clergy access. Bishop Wenski stated that state and federal officials have failed to provide a timeline for when Catholic priests would be permitted to enter the facility, known for its harsh environment. The movement is gaining momentum, with a nationwide “Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants” taking place outside ICE offices on Oct. 22, and another planned for Nov. 13.

FAITH IN ACTION: In Washington, D.C., a 30-minute prayer service is scheduled outside ICE headquarters (500 12th Street NW) on Nov. 13 at 8:30am. All are welcome.
https://bit.ly/CatholicWitness