Religious Resistance Grows Against ICE Operations
Hundreds of clergy from across the U.S. gathered in Minneapolis on January 22 to protest ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions under Operation Metro Surge. The event, part of a larger faith-based effort to resist President Trump’s deportation policies, brought around 200 religious leaders into immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. Singing civil rights-era hymns, the clergy hoped their visible presence would deter federal agents from making arrests and send a moral message about immigration enforcement.
Tense Confrontations Mark Street Patrols
Rev. James Galasinski and two fellow clergy quickly encountered ICE agents in an unmarked SUV. Moments later, the agents attempted to detain a woman entering a minivan. The ministers blew whistles and livestreamed the encounter as more agents surrounded her. The woman, reportedly pregnant, presented her citizenship papers and was released. Though brief, the encounter deeply impacted the pastors, who questioned whether their presence had prevented a detention.
“To harm and even kill those who bear witness to what is happening. This is a bright-line moment for our country and our values. In our varied and united faith traditions, love of neighbor is not optional.”- Bishop Mariann Budde, Episcopal bishop of Washington, DC and Minnesota native
“What did we learn from the Holocaust? We have to act and we have to resist. If I’m not going to act and resist now, then I shouldn’t call myself a rabbi and I can’t be a proud Jew.”- Rabbi Diane Tracht
“You can only preach against ICE for so long before God calls you to get out of the pulpit and get to the streets,” Rev. Joshua Shawnee of Inclusive Catholic Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Clergy Draw Historical Parallels and Personal Convictions
Faith leaders from Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant backgrounds expressed alarm over ICE tactics. Rabbi Diane Tracht invoked the Holocaust, stating that authoritarian governments must be resisted early. Rev. Joshua Shawnee stressed that spiritual opposition alone is not enough. Many leaders, including those with prior ICE experience, voiced deep concerns about rising authoritarianism in the U.S., calling for moral courage and action.
Local Immigrant Communities Welcome Support
While most clergy were visitors, locals showed appreciation. Somali-American residents offered tea and thanks to patrolling pastors. Rev. Meagan McLaughlin described emotional moments of solidarity with Minneapolis residents facing fear and uncertainty. The event aimed to build long-term connections between national faith networks and local immigrant communities.
Federal Response and Ongoing Pushback
As clergy held a press conference calling for the abolition of ICE, Vice President JD Vance countered their message across town. He defended ICE’s presence in Minneapolis, suggesting its role included protecting against local unrest. But religious leaders pushed back hard. Bishop Mariann Budde and Rev. DeWayne Davis argued Minneapolis is a city well-versed in resistance. They urged Americans to uphold values rooted in justice, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all people.
Source:
Hundreds of clergy descend on Minneapolis and go on lookout for ICE
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
About Post Author
