As people of faith, we are called to bear witness to injustice, demand accountability, and ensure the human rights of our precious immigrant siblings are protected. The rise of abductions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is an assault on our sacred freedoms—to keep our families safe and united, to have due process and equality under the law, and to advocate for our values without fear of retribution. Only by standing in opposition to this growing threat can we defend the dignity and freedom of our community.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia—a father and resident of Maryland for 15 years—was abducted by ICE and sent to a notoriously violent prison in El Salvador without proper notice, charges, a warrant, or legal representation.  The White House admitted that he was taken in error. Although the Supreme Court ordered Mr. Abrego Garcia's return, both President Trump’s administration and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele claim they have no ability to bring him back to the United States. This is unacceptable.  

The abduction and deportation of any individual to an overseas mega-prison famous for its human rights abuses is already morally reprehensible and a violation of international human rights law. To do so without proper due process is also unconstitutional and illegal.

Unfortunately, the abduction of Kilmar is only one example of this abhorrent abuse of power by the Administration. Individuals across the country have been abducted by plain clothes ICE officers, herded into unmarked vehicles with no access to legal representation or due process.

We, the undersigned, refuse to be afraid.  

We condemn the abduction, deportation or disappearance of our immigrant siblings.  

We lament the continuation of disrespect of sacred human life.  

We refuse to stand idly by as our government treats our basic rights as privileges granted to some, but not all.

We demand the administration bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home.

We demand the administration cease all deportations to mega-prisons abroad and return all those who have been sent to these prisons since January 20.  

We demand the administration release, return, and reinstate the legal status of all those immigrants who have been arbitrarily stripped of this status since January 20.

We demand the administration release or return all immigrants who have been denied access to an attorney, access to a hearing, the right to appeal, or proper notice since January 20.