Church Response for ICE
Unity Communities & Leaders had churches reach out with care and concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and how faith communities can respond responsibly, lawfully, and compassionately. After reviewing multiple denominational and interfaith resources, they found strong alignment across traditions around a shared five-step congregational protocol.
The Five-Step Congregational Protocol
1. Designate a Trained Point Person or Response Team
Most guides emphasize the importance of naming a specific individual or small team (often clergy plus an administrator or board officer) who is trained to respond if ICE appears. This helps ensure that no one improvises in a stressful moment and that responses remain calm, consistent, and lawful.
2. Clarify Public vs. Non-Public Spaces
Congregations are encouraged to clearly define which areas of the building are public and which are private, consistent with normal church operations. This may include signage, locked doors, or standard access procedures—nothing new or unusual, but clearly documented and communicated.
3. Verify Documentation and Contact Legal Support
Across all guides, there is a strong emphasis on carefully reviewing any documentation presented. Many resources distinguish between judicial warrants and other documents that do not authorize entry into private areas. When in doubt, the protocol is to pause, review, and contact legal counsel or denominational legal support before proceeding.
4. Do Not Obstruct—But Insist on Proper Process
Faith communities are advised not to obstruct law enforcement, while also insisting on lawful process and maintaining the dignity, safety, and pastoral care of congregants. Calm presence, respectful language, and adherence to established procedures are consistently recommended.
5. Prepare a Communications & Pastoral Care Plan
Finally, guides stress the importance of having a communications plan in place—how leadership is notified, how congregants are supported pastorally, and how information is shared without panic. This often includes identifying rapid-response contacts and follow-up care for those impacted.
Reference Resources
You may find the following guides especially helpful for deeper review and local adaptation:
We also want to share that all those impacted (directly and indirectly) have been placed in the Silent Unity Prayer, holding them in the abiding presence of divine love, wisdom, and protection. In addition, we have reached out to other trusted partners and resources, and as we receive any further information that may be helpful, we will continue to share it with you.
We offer this guidance in the spirit of preparedness, compassion, and faithful presence, trusting that each congregation will adapt these practices in ways that align with its values, local context, and legal counsel.
