As a nation, we are witnessing the convergence of xenophobia, racism, authoritarianism, and nationalism. In the face of rising cruelty, we must remind policymakers of the difference between what is legal and what is right. Romans 13:10 says “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”  

We must reaffirm that our call is to follow the law of love. That is why we are calling on Congress to pass legislation that protects the dignity of our immigrant neighbors. 

Since President Trump came into office, ICE has deported nearly 200,000 people—most of whom who have no criminal record. Detention facilities across the US are over capacity by more than 13,500 people, and immigrants with multiple marginalized identities face disproportionate harm. 

In the UCC, we proclaim that Love is Louder than hate. Love is louder than racism, xenophobia, and fear-mongering emanating from policymakers who seek to divide and exclude. Instead, we reject actions that strip immigrants of due process and dignity and we affirm our responsibility to protect the sojourner as our neighbor. 

 Two bills before Congress that can help protect immigration communities include:  

The Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (H.R. 1061/S. 455) would prohibit immigration enforcement from conducting operations on the grounds of sensitive locations, such as churches and other places of worship, schools, and hospitals—places where fear has already caused church attendance to fall and school absenteeism to rise. 

Protections that prevented such activity were previously in place before being reversed on inauguration day. Since then, many churches have seen attendance plummet as congregants fear being questioned or detained while worshipping. Some children, particularly younger children who are typically dropped off at school by their parents, have stopped going to school out of similar fears. In California, Central Valley schools have seen an 22% increase in chronic absenteeism. Missing school long-term hurts students’ learning, outcomes, and well-being.  

The VISIBLE Act (HR 4667/S 2212) would require immigration enforcement officers to wear visible identification that announces their agency.  

Across the country, we’ve seen documented immigrants, undocumented immigrants, and U.S. citizens be apprehended by masked immigration enforcement officers wearing plain clothes. Unmarked vehicles are often present at the scene, further contributing to a culture of fear and confusion. This is dangerous because it enables ICE agents to feel protected by their anonymity and safe from accountability.  

Urge your Senators and Representative follow the law of love and protect our immigrant neighbors during this time. Ask them to co-sponsor and pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act and the VISIBLE Act today!