Due to fears of immigration raids on places of worship, some Christian denominations in the U.S. have shifted to online gatherings. Churches are now holding services, Bible studies, and meetings through platforms like Zoom. The reversal of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy in January by the Trump administration has caused fear among parishioners, leading to changes in the delivery of services.
A new report estimates that 1 in 12 Christians in the U.S. are at risk of deportation or losing a loved one to deportation. Many Latino Christians have turned to Christian or Protestant denominations, which are more likely to support the Christian nationalism promoted by Trump. Despite a temporary halt to immigration raids near churches, fear among undocumented immigrants remains due to increased arrests and deportations.
Some church leaders, like Reverend Samuel Rodriguez, believe there is no reason to be afraid and encourage continued attendance of religious services. Others, like the Latino Christian National Network, are offering webinars to guide church members on their rights and procedures in case of an ICE arrest. While advocating for respect of laws, church leaders prioritize protecting their community and have been calling for immigration reform legislation.
Overall, the Latino Christian community in the U.S. is navigating fear and uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement and deportation while seeking to continue providing spiritual guidance and support.
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