Important ICE Raids Statement from Bishop Julius Trimble, Church and Society
In the wake of the military escalation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, CA and in other U.S. Cities, Church and Society General Secretary Bishop Julius C. Trimble urges United Methodist to pray, stand with immigrants, and protest peacefully.
The General Board of Church and Society has been consistent in condemning the Trump administration’s unlawful immigration deportation tactics, including the most recent military escalation of ICE raids in Los Angeles and cities around the country.
Our Immigration Position Statement makes it clear that ICE raids are not only antithetical to the foundational values of our democracy but also starkly contradict the United Methodist Church’s Social Principles on immigration and the Wesleyan theological tradition.
Following the Trump Administration’s policies, ICE has raided stores, schools, court buildings and neighborhoods all over the country causing fear and harm.
In Los Angeles, ICE operations waited, detained and arrested people who were entering a federal court building following the process for legal citizenship, leading thousands of people to protest. In response, federal troops have been deployed by the Trump administration without the consent of local or state authorities.
What Actions You Can Take: Minute Video Statement from GBCS Board President
See below and hear from our GBCS Board of Directors President Rev. Allison Mark, who serves in the Los Angeles area as a Senior Pastor.
From the steps of a Los Angeles federal building in front of National Guard and ICE agents, Rev. Mark offers a “minute video statement” sharing what is happening in real time in Los Angeles and actions you can take to stand for immigration justice and peace.
For people seeking safety and freedom, creating fear and displaying excessive force is not the answer. We must pursue real solutions to the complex challenges of immigration and migration that are rooted in principles that value human life and dignity. I encourage you to use the immigration resources from Church and Society , pray, engage, and peacefully stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters.
