In Chicago, faith leaders are mobilizing to prevent the militarization of their communities during this new wave of immigration enforcement. Rami Nashashibi, a prominent activist and leader, has been photographed at various protests, advocating for immigrant rights and opposing the aggressive tactics employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These faith communities have become vital hubs for organizing efforts, food distribution, Know Your Rights trainings, and sanctuary for those in need.
Changes spurred by the Trump administration’s unprecedented and retaliatory actions have resulted in somber and fairly extensive changes to immigration policies. Now, ICE can conduct operations in sensitive locations, like churches. Faith leaders are mobilizing their congregations and communities. They are acting in response to the threats they believe, at least, to be facing the most vulnerable populations. The First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, under the guidance of Rev. David Black, has joined these efforts, providing support to those affected by the crackdown.
A Call to Action
Rami Nashashibi as a consistently grassroots activist. His work further shows that community solidarity will be essential as repression by federal authorities escalates. As a nationally recognized police reform advocate, he has long raised alarms about widened normalization of militarized policing and how it targets immigrant communities.
“We are certainly in an unprecedented moment. We are confronting masked agents in unmarked cars, smashing windows, and pulling people out of vehicles in front of their children. There’s a feeling of military occupation and a fear not only of arrest, abduction or being targeted – but also the fear of being isolated.” – Rami Nashashibi
His words ring true to the faith community more than you can imagine. From their perspective, this is an important historical moment that requires radical solidarity and accompaniment with the people most affected by ICE’s actions. Consistent demonstrations and vigils have begun to take place outside Chicago’s Broadview processing center, where ICE has regularly detained people awaiting deportation. This commitment and the religious leaders showing up to stand with them have received widespread attention and national solidarity from religious leaders determined to walk alongside their congregations.
These recent experiences of Rev. David Black are prime examples of the risks faith leaders take when advocating for their communities. At one protest, immigration agents targeted him and pepper-sprayed him in the face. This moment was a profound reminder of the punishments awaiting those who dare speak out for justice and compassion.
Building Coalitions for Change
Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, another key figure among Chicago’s faith leaders, has taken significant action against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Broadview, her church, has been a home for deep protests and prayer vigils. These acts of solidarity are meant to draw attention to the difficult fight immigrants facing deportation are fighting.
“Faith leaders bring a very powerful prophetic and moral compass into the space,” – Rev Ciera Bates-Chamberlain
Her words represent a burgeoning movement of advocacy within the faith community. Along with their spiritual guidance, they’re providing practical support that makes a tangible difference for local communities impacted by immigration enforcement. In response to these tough challenges, faith leaders have developed creative new coalitions such as Faith over Fear. They train clergy members so that they can quickly respond to raids, making sure that they are immediately prepared to protect their congregants.
Beyond their advocacy work, these communities have placed a real emphasis on sharing valuable resources. Live Free Illinois collaborates with partners to distribute food and other forms of assistance to immigrant and Black communities throughout the city. The faith community remains committed to delivering humanitarian assistance. They are dead set on not leaving their most vulnerable members behind in this dangerous time of crisis.
The Role of Faith Communities
Faith communities all over Chicago have acted as vital buffers in the resistance against draconian immigration enforcement. Now, they’ve evolved into true hubs and sanctuaries, where the most marginalized people can find sanctuary, resources and empowerment. These leaders take a holistic view. They protest, but institute new educational programs that teach immigrant communities their rights.
Know Your Rights trainings are offered on a monthly basis. Second, they help dictate the narrative by arming constituents and community members with crucial information to prepare them for interactions with police. The impact These gatherings serve to build solidarity and support among neighborhoods under siege and in fear because of ICE’s presence.
The participation of faith leaders from multiple religious backgrounds helps create interfaith solidarity with one another. Together, they raise their voices on behalf of fellow communities experiencing injustice and more effectively raise the profile of their advocacy work.