Christmas Services Clouded by Rising Fears of ICE Enforcement

Reports from Spanish-speaking congregations across the country show growing concern over potential immigration enforcement linked to church communities. Over the past several weeks, pastors have described incidents involving individuals who identified themselves as ICE or FBI personnel requesting member information such as names, addresses, and attendance records. Some churches also received unexpected mailers promoting a CBP app associated with “voluntary self-deportation,” adding to the confusion.

These encounters have fueled widespread uncertainty. In Atlanta, a viral audio message warning of upcoming ICE raids led one Pentecostal congregation into panic, and several nearby churches canceled services altogether. Even without official confirmation, the fear has been enough to disrupt normal worship and community life.

Inside the Department of Justice, three attorneys say internal briefings have circulated discussing the possibility of enforcement at church services nationwide. Their concerns intensified after a recent coordinated operation in Charlotte, where 81 people were arrested — including one individual taken into custody on church property. The incident has raised questions about how sacred spaces are being treated and whether long-standing expectations of protection still hold.

For many congregations, the situation is more than a legal or logistical issue. Church leaders say the uncertainty is taking a toll on families who already live with significant stress and instability. Parents are questioning whether it’s safe to attend holiday services, and pastors are working to reassure members who feel increasingly vulnerable.

As Christians, moments like this call us back to core commitments: supporting those who are afraid, protecting the vulnerable, and standing with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Whatever the coming weeks hold, faith communities have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to ensure that no one faces this season alone.