January 16, 2026

CSC Statement & Action Plan Regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Key Text: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 25:35ESV.

The Central States Conference Administration, Assistants to the Presidents, and Pastors are deeply troubled by the pain, anxiety, and fears that are being expressed by our church members and communities caused by the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Division within the Central States Conference (CSC) territory, and particularly in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Our immigrant church members have shared that many are now living not only with the fear of illegal deportation without due process, but fear for their physical lives. We want our church and community families to know that we stand with them and sympathize with them during this unprecedented time. We will remain prayerful to the God of the oppressed for your safety and security. We are also sincerely praying like the prophet Amos that justice will roll down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream on behalf of the downtrodden and disenfranchised.

Our biblical appeal to both those in authority and those suffering at the hands of that authority is to “live peaceably with all men”. That is our earnest and sincere prayer. However, when that authority becomes abusive or violent, we will be obedient to the word of the prophet Isaiah that declares “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:17. As there is a time for everything under heaven, we believe that now is the time for any involved in oppressive behavior to be rebuked, and all oppressive behavior unequivocally rejected by all Bible-believing Christians. According to our key text and Jesus’ own words, our eternal salvation depends on it.

Action Plan

Our pastors are willing and ready to assist those in need and in fear by humbly and legally engaging with the ICE agents who may come to our churches, on behalf of the church and those we serve. Our pastors have also been instructed to strengthen their relationships with local city law enforcement and police departments, and call on them if needed, to de-escalate un-toward activities with ICE agents on our church’s premises.

In addition, we are encouraging all our pastors and local church leaders to refer to the detailed information that was sent out from the CSC leadership, which gives guidance on how to legally, respectfully and wisely interact with ICE agents if they come to your local church. Lastly, as it was in the early New Testament church, we are appealing to our church members to prayerfully prepare your homes as places of safety for those who may need temporary shelter, and/or food. If children of the displaced immigrants need to be picked up from school, let us all be willing to lend that helping hand. We are also identifying sources of funding to assist with utilities and rent if anyone loses their employment.

May we all be willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do our part to actively and legally entertain and assist the stranger, the foreigner, the immigrant, who needs us in tangible ways during this season of earth’s history.

Lovingly and Prayerfully Submitted,

CSC Administration