The fear of being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has compelled thousands of Latino churches across the United States to take a drastic step: suspending in-person masses and moving their religious services online.
What was once considered a safe space has now become a potential risk for many immigrant families.
According to Reverend Carlos Malavé, leader of the National Latino Christian Network—which includes roughly 4,000 churches—fear of an ICE raid has caused a troubling decline in mass attendance.
Latino churches in the U.S. are moving services online to protect immigrant congregants from potential ICE raids
Latino Churches Turn to Digital Platforms Amid ICE Concerns
The Trump administration’s change in policy regarding so-called “sensitive locations” (such as churches, hospitals, and schools) has triggered a wave of uncertainty within the immigrant Christian community.
A Telemundo report notes that new guidelines leave open the possibility for ICE agents to enter even places of worship, breaking a long-standing tradition that treated such spaces as sanctuaries.
“Some people are afraid that simply attending church could put them in danger,” Malavé told the news outlet.
In response, his network has launched virtual seminars to train religious leaders on how to respond to this new threat and how to support their congregations without putting them at risk.
Actions Churches Are Taking to Protect Their Congregants
Latino churches are not standing still. According to Reverend Malavé, the following measures are being implemented:
- Virtual masses and meetings via platforms like Zoom
- Online support classes, including language instruction, citizenship preparation, and legal counseling
- Home delivery of food to prevent congregants from having to leave their homes
- Training seminars for pastors focused on immigration rights
- Legal guidance in the event of arrests or raids
- Awareness campaigns and political advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform
Samuel Rodríguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, believes there is no reason to fear ICE detentions.
“If someone is in an environment with other undocumented individuals, you are defined by the company you keep,” he stated.
Malavé, however, underscores the need to adapt pastoral efforts to today’s reality: “We are not advocating for a country without laws, but we do believe that our top priority should be to protect our communities.”