Action Alert: Congress Urged to Safeguard Religious Freedom and Reform ICE

Jan 28, 2026, 2:55 AM

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Immigrant and refugee communities across the United States are increasingly living in fear due to aggressive immigration enforcement actions, prompting calls for action from faith leaders. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) has issued an urgent appeal for individuals to contact their members of Congress and advocate for protections that uphold religious freedom and human dignity.

Over the past year, incidents of immigration enforcement have escalated, with reports of armed agents entering church properties and targeting faith leaders. These actions have resulted in significant disruptions within communities, as families are torn apart and congregations are placed in climates of fear. The BJC is calling for Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which aims to safeguard places of worship, schools, and healthcare facilities from immigration enforcement activities.

The impact of these enforcement practices is profound. Community life has been shattered, and individuals are deterred from gathering for worship or seeking necessary care. Reports indicate that more than 30 people have died in ICE custody, highlighting the urgent need for oversight and reform within immigration enforcement practices.

Religious freedom is not merely a constitutional principle; it is a lived reality grounded in the values of dignity and neighborly love. When fear inhibits individuals from worshiping or accessing care, the essence of religious freedom is compromised. The BJC emphasizes that Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to act, and they provide an easy online platform for individuals to reach out to their elected officials.

Moreover, the BJC encourages individuals to join or establish local advocacy groups committed to defending religious liberty and resisting the rise of Christian nationalism. They assert that the preservation of religious freedom requires proactive engagement and not just verbal support.

While the BJC's call for action is timely, it parallels ongoing discussions about the broader implications of immigration enforcement in the United States. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has advocated for a reduction in immigration detention, citing high costs and human rights abuses associated with the practice. Detention facilities have been criticized for their conditions, which have included medical neglect and violations of religious freedom.

In fiscal year 2024, Congress allocated approximately $3.4 billion to detain noncitizens, highlighting the financial burden of current immigration policies. As Congress debates these allocations, the BJC's call for accountability and reform is particularly relevant.

The call to action comes at a time when the asylum process in the United States is also under scrutiny. Many people seeking asylum face systemic obstacles, including a complicated and lengthy application process, which can hinder their ability to secure protection from persecution. The urgency for reform is amplified as countless individuals navigate these challenges, often without legal representation.

As advocates push for changes to immigration enforcement practices, the intersection of religious freedom and immigration reform remains a pressing issue. The BJC's initiative seeks to ensure that places of worship remain sanctuaries for all, free from the threat of enforcement actions.

In conclusion, the call from the BJC for Congress to act on protecting religious freedom and holding ICE accountable is a critical step toward fostering a just and humane immigration system. Individuals are encouraged to participate actively in this movement by contacting their representatives and advocating for policies that uphold the values of dignity and protection for all.

The time for action is now, as the integrity of religious freedom in the United States hangs in the balance.

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