The Rev Dr. Rick SchlosserDear Friends,
ICE, CBP, and other agencies are planning to do sweeps of CHURCHES over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend through Advent to Christmas.
This is deeply offensive and alarming and puts even lawfully present people in real danger. Department of Homeland Security does not care what people’s status is – if they are immigrants, they are targets.
PLEASE prepare with attorneys, community solidarity, everything you can bring to bear for safety. Might be helpful to make sure all Church functions are broadcast so people may participate without exposing themselves to danger.
These people will be armed and that gives grounds for refusal without warrants since it’s clear worship is not the goal. You have the right to refuse entry to anyone without a judicial warrant. Those are warrants for SPECIFIC people signed by a judge. Please create a safety plan with your congregation and others nearby so you can provide mutual aid and have alerts for others.
We are now brought to the moment of decision – which side are we on? Being prepared for problems helps us make easier decisions. But in all cases, please stay safe. This is no longer an abstraction. This is real.
World Relief has a guide that might be helpful. Responding to ICE in Places of Worship – World Relief. The key is to keep calm, NOT to rush to exits. In unity there is strength. Be a witness with cell phones and photos if you can. But see if you can bar the way first demanding a judicial warrant.
Blessings on all who help the alien among us, see them as human beings of value. And blessings to all who are afraid but stand up anyway. May you be safe and at peace in these dreadful times.
Elizabeth Sholes
California Council of Churches
West Sacramento, CA
Read a news article from Worcester News here
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