Faith Groups Call for End to Immigration Raids Amid Reports of Trafficking

BY ISN STAFF | January 29, 2016

This week more than 50 faith groups, including the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States and the Ignatian Solidarity Network, sent a letter to President Obama calling for an end to immigration raids targeting Central Americans.

The faith leaders raised their appeal amid Senate scrutiny regarding the Department of Health and Human Services record of ensuring safe placement for Central American migrant children awaiting court dates.

“As leaders of faith, we have witnessed first-hand the deep anxieties these tactics have sparked in communities of immigrants across our nation, particularly as word of the arrest of young children and parents has spread throughout the community,” the letter said.  “The administration’s actions are sowing fear and trauma. Our faith communities are unanimous in the view that these raids must end.”

The faith leaders further urged President Obama to refrain from raiding houses of worship, saying they “must remain safe and sacred spaces where all families can engage in their respective faith traditions without fear of harassment or monitoring by immigration officials.” The leaders also called for raids to be avoided at key places in communities where people seek assistance for health and safety, including hospitals, health clinics, schools, as well as places of worship.

Read the entire letter, which was signed by Church World Service, Kino Border Initiative, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, Midwest Jesuits, Franciscan Action Network, and many other groups.