Faithful Preparedness: Equipping Churches for Witness with Undocumented Persons
How We Can Together Embody Christ's Love Right Now
As you and your congregational leaders feel led by the Holy Spirit to be the hands and feet of Christ with our immigrant neighbors:
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Prepare Your Church
Churches are no longer designated as “sensitive locations,” meaning ICE agents can now enter into church buildings without prior approval. I urge every church to review and implement best practices for preparedness:
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Post “Know Your Rights” resources in multiple languages (English version and Spanish version)
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Train your leadership and congregation on how to respond if ICE arrives. This is critical if vulnerable migrants are part of or serviced by your faith community.
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Clearly mark private areas (offices, parsonages, etc.) to distinguish them from public spaces.
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Download the “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app to stay informed.
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Stand With Immigrants Facing Raids
If your congregation encounters/experiences an ICE raid, it is critical to respond calmly and lawfully while protecting those at risk.
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Do not open the door immediately - ICE must have a valid warrant to gain access to private sections of church buildings.
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Designate a trained leader to speak with agents.
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Record and document interactions, if safe to do so.
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Never sign any documents without legal counsel. Advise vulnerable migrants not to sign any documents without legal counsel.
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Be a Witness in Your Community
If you witness an ICE raid in a public space:
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Stay calm and observe carefully.
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Record actions of ICE agents, not vulnerable individuals.
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Share legal resources with those impacted.
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Do NOT interfere physically with ICE agents or post videos without obscuring faces.
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- Offer Post-Raid Support
Churches must be places of healing after a raid occurs.
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- Report the incident to regional immigrant advocacy organizations.
- Reach out to affected families with emotional, spiritual, and legal support.
- Help congregants access legal aid and community assistance.
Click the following links for a full checklist and next steps for church preparations in our
To Those Serving People at Risk in our Congregations:
If you currently serve a congregation that is in relationship with and/or serves undocumented immigrants, I ask that you prioritize their safety. Discreetly, be in conversation with those most vulnerable among you to better understand their needs and explore the most effective ways to serve them in this challenging season. Ensure they are informed about their rights. Whenever possible, avoid exposing them to big crowds or distributions in open public spaces. Consider offering them alternative ways to engage in the ministries of the congregation to minimize exposing them to unintended harm. I earnestly request that all "political" contention be set aside, and that we focus on serving the people affected by these new directives and advocating on their behalf.
A Call to Prayer and Presence
Let us be people of hope, not fear. Let us stand with our immigrant siblings in active love. May our collective witness reflect the heart of God, who calls us to embrace all with justice, mercy, and boundless grace. Thank you for all you do to live the gospel, and embody God’s love with your neighbors in all places.
Additional Resources
Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan - Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan in case of an emergency. It is equally critical for immigrant families to think ahead and set more concrete plans for immigration emergencies that can arise.
Preparation and Rapid Response Resources for Immigrants and Community Allies - This document contains links to information and resources to aid in preparing individuals, families, and communities for rapid response to shifts and challenges that are expected to take place in immigration law and policy in the United States in 2025.
U.S. Travel Guidance - Visitors, U.S. visa holders and lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must prepare for increased scrutiny at U.S. airports and ports of entry. This guide provides general information and highlights issues for travelers to be aware of before arriving in the U.S.
A new bible study on immigration - Help your congregation engage immigration through the lens of faith with this new Bible study from Church and Society. Rooted in Scripture and United Methodist social teaching, the study invites meaningful dialogue and faithful response. Learn More
Digital Safety Workshop (Notes) - The Digital Safety Workshop was presented by Professors Sarah Launius and Geoff Boyce, experts in migration, homeland security surveillance, and digital security for the Immigration Law & Justice Network on February 19, 2025. This document summarizes key takeaways from the presentation. Please note that individual digital security needs vary; this document can serve as a starting point for reducing digital security risks.
February 13, 2025 - Click the following links for English and Spanish resources from Immigration Law & Justice Network, an immigration ministry of The UMC. The following documents include important information on what to know, knowing your rights, what to do if stopped on the street, in your car, and if ICE comes to your home, rights during travel, how to document an ICE visit, and more.
Videos
The Vital Conversations on Immigration
The Vital Conversations on Immigration series was developed to help local churches explore a sacred calling: a Church that embodies justice, mercy, and hospitality.
With a study guide and accompanying videos, each session invites you into deeper reflection on the realities of immigration today, guided by the voices of faith leaders, theologians, advocates, and immigrants themselves. Access Vital Conversations on Immigration
Immigration Update: A Webinar On Birthright Citizenship
In response to the recent Supreme Court decision related to Birthright Citizenship, an alliance of United Methodist general agencies, the United Methodist Council of Bishops, and partner organizations hosted a live webinar on July 17, 2025. Closed captions in multiple languages is available. Watch the video
Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond webinar
On February 10, the Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond webinar brought together United Methodist leaders to explore the church’s role in standing with immigrant communities. Discussions covered national immigration policy challenges, biblical models of solidarity, and practical ways for local churches to support immigrant-led congregations. Featuring insights from United Methodist leaders, this webinar provided valuable guidance for those committed to meaningful action. Watch the video