Should You Stop Attending Church Because of ICE? 

The fear of being arrested by ICE at church has left many undocumented individuals questioning whether they should continue attending religious services. With increasing immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, it’s understandable why some may feel uneasy. But should this fear keep you from practicing your faith? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening. 

LaToya McBean Pompy, who immigrated to the United States herself, was inspired to help families unite by founding McBean Law. If you or loved one need assistance with denaturalization issues or visa applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her experienced immigration attorney team, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.  

Who is ICE Targeting? 

ICE enforcement priorities have shifted under the current administration, raising concerns among many undocumented individuals. While not everyone is at risk, ICE has identified specific groups as high-priority targets for detention and removal: 

1. Individuals with criminal convictions 

2. Individuals with a final order of removal who remain in the U.S. 

3. Individuals who arrived in the U.S. within the last two years under Biden’s parole border programs 

If you do not fall into one of these categories, you are not considered a high-priority target for detention or deportation. However, ICE has stated that if they encounter an undocumented individual while carrying out enforcement actions, they may arrest them as a collateral case—even if they were not initially targeted. 

Are ICE Arrests Happening Inside Churches? 

So far, there has been only one verifiable case of ICE arresting someone in connection to a church. In this case, ICE waited outside in the parking lot for an individual who was wearing an ankle monitor. The monitor alerted ICE to his location, and they arrested him after he left the building. 

We have not received reports from clients or other sources confirming ICE conducting raids inside places of worship. Historically, ICE followed a sensitive locations policy, which meant they avoided enforcement actions at churches, schools, and hospitals. However, in January, the Trump administration revoked this policy, signaling a shift in approach. While ICE may no longer recognize churches as safe havens, they are still more likely to target individuals at home or work rather than disrupt a church service. 

Should You Stop Attending Church? 

Deciding whether to continue attending church amid immigration concerns can be challenging. Many undocumented individuals fear potential enforcement actions, but understanding the realities of ICE’s approach can help in making an informed decision. While the decision is personal, here are some key points to consider: 

•  If ICE already knows where you live or work, it is unlikely they will go out of their way to arrest you at church. 

•  ICE’s primary enforcement efforts remain focused on high-priority targets rather than general churchgoers. 

•  Most known ICE arrests related to churches have occurred outside the building, not inside. 

You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video, “Should You STOP Going to Church Because of ICE?”, where she provides in-depth insights on who ICE is targeting, the risks involved, and whether places of worship are still considered safe spaces. Don’t miss this valuable discussion to stay informed and protect yourself.