A former children’s hospital chaplain remains detained in Ohio as the federal government attempts to deport him. Attorneys for Ayman Soliman had hoped an immigration judge would release “the interfaith imam” during a hearing July 29, but the court instead…
New lawsuit again seeks to block ICE raids at churches
The Alliance of Baptists and American Baptist Churches USA have joined a coalition of religious groups in a new lawsuit seeking to bar immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship. The federal action was filed July 28 by Democracy Forward…
UMC immigration webinar gives facts, cautions and hope
More than 2,100 participants logged in July 17 to a United Methodist-sponsored webinar that gave 90 minutes of spiritual encouragement, prayer and information — but not legal counsel — on birthright citizenship and immigration enforcement. United Methodist leaders organized the…
Catholic clergy are speaking out on immigration − more than any other political issue except abortion
Catholic priests across the U.S. discuss immigration with their congregations more than leaders in many other faith traditions, according to our new research published in the journal Sociological Focus.
Trump administration ordered to admit pre-screened refugees
The Trump administration has been ordered by a federal judge to admit about 12,000 refugees whose arrival plans were canceled when the president took office in January. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle said his order includes refugees from…
Florida pastor arrested and deported by ICE
A Florida congregation is reeling after its pastor was arrested by federal immigration agents and deported to Guatemala. The Tampa Bay Times reported Maurilio Ambrocio, 42, was expelled to his native country July 2 after being detained by Immigration Customs…
How NYC faith-based food banks, shelters are adapting to ICE fear
As United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has intensified activity across New York City, faith-based shelters, food assistance programs and spaces intended to be safe for immigrants are quietly adjusting how they operate. Though ICE has not yet raided a…
Court says Florida cannot enforce its own immigration law
Florida cannot enforce a new law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to enter or remain in the state, the U.S. Supreme Court said July 9. The one-sentence order let stand a lower court ruling barring the state from…
California bishop suspends Mass obligation due to immigration fears
San Bernardino Bishop Alberto Rojas, who leads more than 1.5 million Catholics in Southern California, has formally excused parishioners from their weekly obligation to attend Mass following immigration detentions on two parish properties in the diocese.
Trump wants to take back citizenship already given to some immigrants
Stripping some naturalized Americans of citizenship is now a top priority of the U.S. Justice Department, according to a memorandum recently made public. “President Trump and Attorney General (Pam) Bondi have directed the Civil Division to use its enforcement authorities…
American Baptist agency issues pastoral letter on mass deportations
American Baptist Home Mission Societies issued a pastoral response to federal deportations July 3, saying the denomination will not back down from ministry. “The Church as Refuge: A Pastoral Response to Mass Deportations” is a brief letter to the congregations…
Trump administration ends protected status for Haitian immigrants
Haitian immigrants who fled chaos and violence to start new lives in the U.S. have wondered if and when the Trump administration would start deporting them. They got their answer Friday, June 27: Their Temporary Protected Status ends Sept. 2….