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United Methodists risk arrest in deportation protest

Bishop Minerva Carcaño led a group of United Methodists as they joined with more than 100 faith leaders and immigration activists in an act of civil disobedience in front of the White House on July 31, 2014 to demand President Barack Obama end “inhumane” immigration enforcement policies. Bill Mefford, director at the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said United Methodists came from Texas, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, California, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Mississippi, Tennessee and Hawaii in support of immigration reform. United Methodist News Service has more coverage of the demonstration. 

Video streaming of the immigration event began at 12 noon EST/ 11 a.m. CST on July 31, 2014.


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Immigration
A National Guardsman stands watch at a June 10 prayer vigil organized by the United Methodist-founded Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in downtown Los Angeles. The participants placed in front of him a poster in Spanish calling for peace, love and equality and asking for support. United Methodists across the Los Angeles area are working to stand up for immigrant rights while trying to de-escalate a tense situation as the Trump administration has deployed National Guard troops and Marines to quell protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo courtesy of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.

Working for immigrant rights and peace in LA

United Methodists in the Los Angeles area are advocating for immigrants while trying to de-escalate a tense situation after President Trump’s deployment of troops to quell anti-ICE protests.
Immigration
A couple recounts the threats of violence that caused them to flee Mexico with their 1-year-old child in this 2018 file photo. The family took shelter at the Christ United Methodist Ministry Center in San Diego while seeking asylum. United Methodists continue to speak out against Trump administration policies that target undocumented immigrants. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Church advocates for at-risk immigrants

Church leaders offer words of warning, encouragement and some practical advice on what to do when ICE agents knock on church doors looking for people to deport.
Immigration
United Methodists have joined with Christian and Jewish groups in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seeking to reverse the Trump administration’s policy allowing ICE to raid houses of worship. The religious groups say the policy is an intrusion on their ministry and worship. Image by Sergei Tokmakov, Esq., courtesy of Pixabay.

United Methodists join suit against Trump policy

United Methodists are among the Christian and Jewish bodies suing to prevent ICE agents from intruding on their ministry with immigrants and their worship.

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