In the United States, an increasing number of religious institutions are mobilizing to protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, which primarily aim to expel millions of undocumented migrants in the country. Through legal actions, the establishment of alert networks, and transforming churches into refuge spaces, these institutions play a significant role in defending undocumented individuals.
Various Christian churches have openly expressed their opposition to the war declared against Iran on February 28th. Over the past few months, more and more American religious leaders have been challenging the actions of ICE federal agents.
This mobilization, perceived as a regressive drift by many religious leaders, fuels a moral criticism that questions the legality of the measures to combat illegal immigration. The Catholic Church, in particular, leads this movement, expanding into an inter-Christian and interreligious network that interacts directly with the political and judicial spheres.
While Pope Leon XIV of the United States has called for more humanity in the country, major episcopal figures like Cardinal Joseph Tobin have strongly advocated for the dignity of migrants. Dioceses in border regions with significant Hispanic populations, such as those in New Mexico and Texas, have also raised their voices against ICE activities.
The religious mobilization against ICE extends beyond the Christian community to include organizations like the Jesuit Refugee Service USA, Catholic Charities, and the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. These groups are taking legal actions against ICE on behalf of those detained and deported, turning moral outrage into organized action.
This religious mobilization not only engages in street protests but also establishes support networks for migrants through legal actions and institutional procedures, challenging ICE’s territorial expansion.
The anti-ICE religious mobilization directly engages with the political field. In February 2026, a group of 44 Democratic representatives, led by Rosa DeLauro, publicly opposed ICE’s expansion, backed by moral and religious arguments.
The religious movement against ICE overlaps with the political arena, influencing decisions like the budget for the Department of Homeland Security. Despite efforts from conservative figures to justify immigration policies using biblical references, there is hesitation among some, indicating a potential shift in positions regarding ICE.
This ongoing religious mobilization against ICE is reminiscent of the Black Lives Matter movement, emphasizing moral resistance and solidarity to challenge unjust policies and practices.
— Context: The article details the increasing mobilization of religious institutions in the United States against ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants. Fact Check: The content accurately represents the context of religious resistance against ICE activities and highlights the intersection of moral, religious, and political aspects in the ongoing mobilization.
