WhatsApp Message Spurs Panic in Atlanta Churches
A viral WhatsApp audio message alleging imminent immigration raids in Atlanta churches sparked fear among Latino evangelical communities last week. The message, attributed to an unidentified pastor, warned that raids would take place on Thursday and Friday. One Atlanta pastor, who leads an 80-member Pentecostal church, addressed the growing panic during a midweek service, urging calm while advising caution.
The pastor considered canceling worship services but proceeded after a local Telemundo anchor labeled the rumors unverified. Other congregations, however, shut their doors, citing uncertainty.
Church Attendance Drops Amid Growing ICE Concerns
Church immigration raids have increasingly dominated conversations in immigrant-heavy congregations. Faith leaders nationwide noted declining attendance, driven by fear of potential raids and by the Trump administration’s rescission of protections for “sensitive locations,” such as churches. Although ICE has not raided any church buildings in 2025, agents have made arrests near church property in at least a dozen cases this year.
Faith leaders worry that viral misinformation may further erode trust and increase community anxiety. Spanish-speaking congregants, even those with legal status, fear separation from their families.
New England Report Fuels National Tensions
Tensions heightened after a local news outlet in Massachusetts published a story claiming unnamed Department of Justice sources warned of planned church immigration raids during the holidays. The story, authored by reporter John Keough, went viral through social media and private messaging apps. Despite DHS denials, Keough defended the report, citing his own sources and personal connection to Spanish-speaking churches.
Rev. Dave Woessner of the Massachusetts Council of Churches said the story caught local leaders off guard. He confirmed that churches are preparing for possible enforcement actions, even as they wait for major news outlets to verify the claims.
Federal Officials Deny Targeting Churches
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin strongly denied the claims. In a statement, she called the reports “false narratives” aimed at undermining law enforcement. However, she acknowledged that in cases involving dangerous fugitives or child sex offenders, ICE may still make arrests on church grounds.
Southern Baptist leaders, including Rev. Clint Pressley, dismissed any involvement in alleged DHS briefings and condemned the idea of raiding churches. “Law and order should prevail and can prevail without raiding churches,” he said.
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Viral warnings of planned ICE raids on churches have pastors worried
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