Why Faith Leaders and Communities?
When united, faith voices are a powerful tool. Faith leaders and their communities are called to protect the vulnerable and offer refuge to those in need. In Utah, as immigrant families face the challenges of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) actions, faith voices have a vital role to play. Rooted in principles of love, dignity, and compassion, faith calls us to act—not for self-interest but for the greater good. Faith leaders have the unique ability to bring their diverse congregations together, amplify the voices of many, and remind us of our shared responsibility to care for and protect one another. Throughout history, faith communities and their leaders have often served as a bridge between the public and elected officials, demonstrating how faith is a call to uphold everyone’s civil rights and liberties.
None of the information herein is intended as legal advice. We try to maintain our "Know Your Rights" materials to keep current. However, please be mindful of the publish date as the information described herein may not reflect recent legislation or case law that could impact your rights.
Places of worship that offer refuge to immigrants often do so out of a commitment to faith and a belief in protecting the vulnerable. However, this mission can lead to tense situations, particularly if ICE agents arrive at a place of worship seeking to detain individuals. Faith communities must understand their legal responsibilities when acting to uphold their moral responsibilities. Here is what faith leaders and congregants need to know and document when interacting with ICE and local law enforcement.
Don’t interfere with ICE; document everything.
ICE agents may arrive at a place of worship with an administrative warrant, judicial warrant, administrative subpoena, or judicial subpoena. Understanding the difference is crucial:
If agents present a warrant or subpoena, you should carefully review it. Verify the type of document, ensure it is signed by a state or federal judge, confirm what the document allows the officers to do, and, if possible, consult legal counsel before allowing access to private areas or producing requested documents.
For additional details on what to look for and examples of the different warrants and subpoenas, see this guidance from the National Immigration Law Center.
Constitutional protections against illegal searches offer protection in areas with an expectation of privacy. This requires establishing those areas in the place of worship where the general public cannot simply walk in without invitation or authorization. Places of worship should:
*The distinction between public and private areas is critical because ICE agents’ authority to enter depends on the type of warrant they possess.
This clear delineation ensures that the place of worship’s legal boundaries are upheld and reduces the risk of unauthorized entry.
Place of worship staff and volunteers must be equipped to handle ICE encounters. Keep in mind that encounters with ICE could occur at any time, so consider the scope of who needs to be trained, including any building partners and worship service volunteers. Training should include:
Designate specific individuals as the place of worship’s spokesperson and legal liaison to handle interactions with ICE. If your faith community is a member of a larger governing body, consult with them about any specific policies, legal protections, or resources.
There are many good resources for training and education at www.acluutah.org/immigrants- rights, www.nilc.org/resources/ and https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights.
If ICE agents arrive at the place of worship, follow these steps:
Protect Individuals and Document the Encounter
Inform Individuals of Their Rights: All individuals, including non-citizens, should know they have the right to remain silent and consult an attorney.
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