Understanding our Rights and Caring for our Immigrant Neighbors: The Quick Guide
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7

     WHAT are we facing? We are facing unprecedented action in immigration enforcement. It is impacting individuals, families, documented and undocumented migrants, refugees, and citizens alike. Individuals – particularly persons of color – regardless of citizenship or documentation status, are being detained and it is creating a culture of fear and uncertainty.

     WHY should we act? An Executive Order rescinded the Sensitive Locations Memo, which previously discouraged ICE from entering places of worship, schools, hospitals, etc. Because agents are now entering church property, it is important for churches and the people we serve and care for to understand our legal and constitutional rights.

     HOW to protect your church:
Know your Rights
*The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution applies to ALL regardless of immigration status.
     In Public Spaces:
If stopped and/or searched, you have the right to remain silent, refuse consent for a search, and ask, “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, walk away. If the answer is no or if they don’t allow you to leave, exercise your right to remain silent. Use phrases such as “I want to talk to a lawyer” and “I don’t want to answer any questions.” If ICE searches you or your car without your consent, say, “I don’t agree to this search.”
*Do not carry or give false documents, lie, or run.

     In Private Spaces (house/apartment or church):
Without a JUDICIAL warrant that physically lists your address, ICE does not have the constitutional right to enter. If approached by ICE without a judicial warrant, you do not have to open the door. You can tell ICE to leave. Use phrases such as “I don’t give you permission to come inside” and “Leave a card with your name and number”.
*Church is semi-private space. Gathering areas may be considered public; pastor’s office is private.

     In Recording:
*Regardless of your immigration status, it is legal to film ICE. Assess your own level of comfort and risk when deciding whether to record.
*DO film openly, stay 10 feet back, and narrate your recording.
*DON’T interfere with arrest.
*Even if an ICE agent tells you to stop recording, you can continue to do so as long as you do not interfere with the arrest. While there are only a few instances where ICE agents can LEGALLY take your phone, be aware that they may do so even if it’s illegal.
*You can also document by writing things down if it is safe to do so, including the agency the officers are from, officer names, officer badge numbers, witness information, and any actions taken by officers.

Make a plan for your church in the event that ICE shows up. Here is a sample template for you to use.

HOW to support our immigrant neighbors:
Build relationships. Actively listen to impacted immigrants. Create spaces of hospitality by providing materials in other languages.
Educate yourself about what’s happening. Explore your personal biases. Learn about intersection of racism and immigration policy. Lean on trusted organizations on the front lines, such as the Immigration Law & Justice Center.
Advocate by contacting legislators, calling out discriminatory behavior, and amplifying voices of immigrants.
Give. Donate funds to support legal services, fees, and bail funds. Organize food drop-offs for families or school drop-offs for children of immigrants.
Pray for the protection of migrants, immigrants, and refugees in and beyond your community. Pray for leaders in positions of authority to act with compassion and mercy. Pray for changes to immigration law that respect the safety and inherent dignity of each human being.
Want to learn or do more? Don’t know where to donate? Want additional resources specific to your area? Email me!