Updated for syntax 2/12/2025
We at the Conference Office have been asked this question many times over the past couple weeks. Here is a response for those who have asked and those who have yet to ask.
First a little background…
In 2011, the Department of Homeland Security established a policy known as the Sensitive Spaces Policy (later renamed the Protected Areas Policy during the Biden Administration). The policy prohibited ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Officials from conducting immigration enforcement in places such as health care facilities, school, libraries, social service establishments and houses of worship. On January 20, 2025 this policy was rescinded. It is not clear whether a new policy will be established, however, it has been explicitly stated that ICE enforcement actions can take place in schools and churches. We also know that ICE raids have taken place in churches over the past couple weeks.
UCC General Council Heather Kimmel has provided the following advice for churches regarding any interactions with ICE officials:
· Churches should make a plan NOW as to how to respond to ICE at the church.
· The plan must include training of workers/volunteers who are likely to be at the church, and must include an analysis of the church’s private and public areas.
· It should also include some practice at role-playing, because saying “no” to big guys dressed in police gear is hard.
· ICE cannot go into the private areas of a church without a judicial warrant (different from administrative warrant). No one is required to talk to ICE.
· Churches should hire a local immigrant advocacy group to do a training on how to respond to ICE. I would start with contacting the local ACLU office if the church cannot identify a suitable organization.
· Churches should identify an immigration attorney NOW who can be called by workers/volunteers if ICE shows up.
· This document may be helpful to begin. National Immigration Law Center: What To Do If Immigration Comes To Your Workplace
The week before all of this occurred Attorney Kimmel held a webinar regarding sanctuary practices and churches. While the webinar was held prior to the rescission of the Sensitive Space Policy, it certainly predicted it. You may view this webinar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55vvvLuiZt0.