Faith
Faith Leaders Respond as ICE Raids Shake Church
Faith Facts
- Pastor Victor Martinez warns his church may close due to an 80% drop in attendance after ICE raids in Minneapolis.
- Hispanic Christian leaders, including Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, call for urgent faith community action and compassion for immigrant families.
- Rep. Maria Salazar promotes the Dignity Act to allow most long-time illegal immigrants to stay without citizenship.
The Christian community in Minneapolis faces deep anxiety as federal agents increase enforcement operations, leading to significant drops in church participation.
Pastors such as Victor Martinez speak of trauma and fear among congregants, with some churches transformed into centers for food relief and support.
“This is traumatizing. I’m 40 years old, born in California and for me as a pastor, I am traumatized. Every now and then, I get worried and emotional. I’ve had white Republican suburban pastors call me and just apologize to me so profusely.”
Leaders from the Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, led by Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, urge the body of Christ to reject complacency and answer the call to mercy and practical aid.
“I feel the Holy Spirit now pushing us towards a sense of urgency where apathy is not an option and complacency must be rejected.”
Rep. Maria Salazar addressed the pain and confusion among Hispanic voters, noting a feeling of disappointment in national leadership over harsh deportation policies.
Salazar’s proposed Dignity Act offers a path for those without criminal records to remain in the country under strict requirements, preserving family unity while respecting the rule of law.
Prayer is rising for wisdom and peace, with faith leaders calling out agitators who seek to divide, and seeking to show Christ’s love to all affected.