Urge Gov. Shapiro to End ICE Collaboration!
"We draw on the best of our nation’s traditions as a refuge and haven for the persecuted and destitute when we affirm that 'we support a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants,' and that we 'will advocate for just immigration policies, including fairness in visa regulations and in admitting and protecting refugees. We will work for policies that cause neither undue repercussions within immigrant communities nor bias against them.'" - The ELCA Social Message on Immigration
Recent months have seen an unprecedented crackdown of immigration enforcement by the federal government, resulting in massive numbers of arrests and detentions across the country, and here in Pennsylvania. Our immigrant and refugee neighbors are living in fear, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates in an increasingly militarized fashion, with little accountability. The passage last week of H.R. 1 adds $170 billion for immigration enforcement. While the ELCA supports the right of the federal administration to enact immigration laws and policies, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center explains, “nothing in federal law requires localities to enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations. To the contrary, immigration regulation and enforcement are federal functions. The Tenth Amendment precludes federal government from coercing state or local governments to use their resources to enforce a federal regulatory program, like immigration.”
In response to the drastic increase in funding for immigration enforcement, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA said, "This goes far beyond the reasonable goal of ensuring a safe and orderly border and risks tearing apart millions of families, communities and churches. As a church, we face this moment together with resolve, rooted in our trust in God, to work for the good of all as these policies begin to impact our congregations and communities.”
Governor Josh Shapiro and his state administration have the power to curtail ICE operations in Pennsylvania by not allowing them access to state databases, law enforcement, and resources. People of faith are standing with our immigrant neighbors and communities to call on the Governor to end state collaboration with ICE, asserting his constitutional powers to keep communities safer, and to help make Pennsylvania a place where all can thrive. We know that immigrants make Pennsylvania stronger and a more vibrant place to call home.
When residents feel that their immigration status may put them at risk of discrimination or deportation, they are less likely to cooperate with police, report crimes, or seek help when needed. By ensuring that everyone in the Commonwealth, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect, the state would foster better communication and cooperation between law enforcement and the public, ultimately making our communities safer for all.
Fill out the form, which will take you to a message asking Governor Shapiro to:
- Data Privacy Protection: Remove ICE access to state databases (JNET and CLEAN) unless there is a judicial warrant
- End Prison-to-Deportation Pipeline: Stop data sharing, communication, and collaboration between state prisons and probation departments and ICE
- Law Enforcement Reform: Strengthen the ICE holds policy with the state police by prohibiting state police from contacting ICE
Please personalize your letter with your own stories and experiences from your communities. It really does make a difference!
[Posted 7/9/2025]
