Religious communities from every corner of the country are mobilizing in defense of immigrants and asylum seekers. They are pushing back against increasing anti-immigrant crackdowns. Our partner the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico, is on the front lines. It offers food and care to people deported or denied asylum. With many immigrants facing fear and uncertainty, religious leaders and communities are rallying together to advocate for compassion and justice.
The Archbishop of San Antonio, Gustavo García-Siller, emphasizes the depth of fear among immigrants due to the current political climate. Too many are still reeling and feeling exposed and alone, leading faith-based institutions to step in and respond fiercely.
Faith leaders, including El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz and auxiliary bishop Anthony Celino, are starting to speak out. They witness to profound moral failures in the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers, calling for an encounter with the church’s doctrine—a.k.a.
The Kino Border Initiative
The Kino Border Initiative, located in Nogales, Mexico, plays a crucial role in assisting immigrants who have faced deportation or lost their chances at asylum in the United States. Catholic nuns and laypeople volunteer their time daily to serve hot meals to the hungry and homeless. On top of food, they are offering community and comfort amidst this challenging moment.
This effort represents the spirit of service that so many faith communities are trying to foster today. They understand the emotional and physical burden that these conditions take on people just looking for a place to rest their heads.
“What has happened to our heart?” – Mark Seitz
By extending a hand to those in distress, the Kino Border Initiative and similar organizations are striving to counter the prevailing narratives surrounding immigration. These artists seek to raise empathy and awareness to combat the kind of policymaking they see as dehumanizing to at-risk communities.
Advocacy from Religious Leaders
Religious leaders from all denominations are testifying on behalf of immigrants. At the same time, they are vehemently denouncing the intense punitive action taken by immigration officials. Leticia Gutiérrez Valderrama directs El Paso’s Migrant Hospitality Ministry. The faith-based organization offers practical assistance and a strong dose of emotional support to migrants braving the risks and challenges of the immigration journey and process.
Gutiérrez Valderrama emphasizes the faith that many immigrants possess and portray. He goes on to write, “Nobody loses his faith. Rather, they convert God’s presence into the new kind of prayer needed to face the trial.” This feeling speaks to the profound spirituality that so many immigrants have within that propels them forward in the face of harm.
Similarly, Bishop Michael M Pham of San Diego has demonstrated solidarity by leading clergy to local immigration courts in a show of support for those seeking justice. These actions of advocacy make clear the dedication of faith leaders to continue fighting against injustices that immigrants undoubtedly face.
Interfaith Vigil and Community Support
In El Paso, an interfaith prayer vigil has turned into a daily protest outside of federal buildings that house immigration courtrooms. This event is an opportunity for people from different faith traditions to come together in prayerful solidarity and advocacy for immigrants.
Image credit Rev Marta Pumroy, with the Tres Rios Presbyterian Border Ministry, leads participants in song and prayer during these vigils. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in restoring humanity: “Having people speak about it and watch it and witness it, [to] share those stories, starts restoring and building that humanity.”
The desire to find deeper meaning goes beyond the artists’ intent. Almost every participant at the vigils echoes this feeling. They work to provide spiritual accompaniment and public criminalization of immigrant communities.
“As people of faith, we are facing this and similar dire situations caused by racism that has penetrated our culture and our public policies,” – Anthony Celino
These religious communities come together to call for remedies to the systemic violations of justice for the oppressed. Along the way, they plant seeds of optimism for those undergoing the harrowing immigration journey.
The Role of Nonprofits
Groups like Estrella del Paso provide essential legal support to immigrants at no cost. This non-profit, evangelizing ministry of the diocese of El Paso continues to work non-stop. They empower immigrants by connecting them with legal resources so that they can better navigate the complexities of immigration laws.
The Hope Border Institute offers them both legal protection and ongoing strategic collaboration with elected immigrant advocates. Together, they urge Congress to uphold humane principles in immigration enforcement. Their advocacy has gone so far as to include statements made to Pope Francis on behalf of the global immigration crisis.
“I say once again to our immigrant communities who are bearing the trauma and injustice of these tactics that your Church walks with you and supports you,” – Rojas
Through these partnerships and initiatives, faith groups demonstrate a collective commitment to uphold human dignity and provide essential services to those affected by immigration policies.