The Episcopal Church

Welcomes You

Immigration Action Toolkit

Photo: Asher Imtiaz

The following is offered for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This area of the law is very complicated and fact-specific, and we urge you to consult local counsel for particular legal help. The resources below are from many organizations that are active in protecting migrants’ rights from multiple perspectives.

What to Know

The Trump Administration has made sweeping policy changes on immigration that are already having an impact on millions of people. Many of these new policies have been—and will be—challenged by the courts, and we anticipate continued shifts. In our ongoing support of migrants, and those living in our communities who face uncertain futures, obtaining and sharing accurate information is critical.  

Ways to Help

  • Be prepared  
    • “Know Your Rights” training can help clergy, undocumented people, and allies know how to handle a possible encounter with federal, state, or local law enforcement

Resources for Dioceses, Churches, and Individuals 

Immigration Court Accompaniment Volunteer programs

Additional Resources by Topic 

Episcopal Church immigration policies

The Episcopal Church has a long history of welcoming and advocating for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees through its Episcopal Migration Ministries and Office of Government Relations.  

Upcoming Events

Immigration Update Call with OGR and EMM
Every Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET
Register
Join the Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries for a weekly 30-minute update on the changing state of U.S. immigration, refugee, and migration policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If agents show up with a warrant seeking entry to private areas of the church, don’t invite them in. Ask to see the warrant. If it is a judicial warrant (signed by a judge and filed in a court), verify that it correctly specifies your location. Call a lawyer right away and help people remain calm while agents perform their duties.

If agents hold an administrative (Department of Homeland Security) warrant, they cannot enter private areas of a church unless someone gives them consent to enter. Ask them to wait outside while you call a lawyer for advice on how to proceed.

Agents with either type of warrant can enter public areas of the church without consent and make arrests. If this happens, focus on keeping people safe and as calm as possible.

  • Designate and train one or two church members to speak to any agents who show up. They should understand their rights (see “Know Your Rights” resources above), how not to give consent to enter private spaces, and what to look for in a warrant.
  • Determine and delineate which areas of your church property are private and which are public. Think about how you consistently use those spaces. Areas that are always open to the public during certain hours would be considered public spaces. An Episcopal narthex and sanctuary are generally open to the public during times of worship, for example. Possible examples of private areas could include the sacristy, church offices, classrooms, the rectory, and food pantries. Consider posting signs to indicate private areas.
  • Develop an emergency contact list that includes a local attorney, your diocesan chancellor, and local legal aid groups.
  • Don’t ask parishioners about their legal status. As a church, you don’t need to know the legal status of individuals who attend. This can help protect both you and them.

The Episcopal Church has recommitted to the spirit of the “New Sanctuary Movement,” and many dioceses have declared themselves sanctuary dioceses. This term can be confusing. When used for cities, the term typically refers to a jurisdiction where local or state law enforcement will not cooperate with federal authorities who are carrying out immigration enforcement. In the church context, it generally refers to denominations or congregations that offer a ministry of welcome and support for migrants. 

We urge you to learn more about your local jurisdiction and to connect with local groups who will understand your context. We encourage using language of “welcome” and “ministry,” rather than “sanctuary.” 

Congregations can continue to provide resources, such as food, clothing, language classes, and transportation to appointments, as well as help families with preparedness plans. Another way to support these individuals might include setting up a fund to help with potential legal fees or for detention bonds. From an advocacy standpoint, parishioners can stay informed and reach out to elected officials on issues related to immigrants’ rights.

As people of prayer, we absolutely should lift our concerns and petitions to God. Be mindful not to share details about someone’s immigration status or court hearings.