CARING FOR OUR IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS
“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself…” (Leviticus 19:34)
At St. Gregory’s, we believe that welcoming and caring for immigrants is a sacred calling rooted in scripture and tradition. From Abraham and Sarah’s nomadic journey to the Israelites’ time in Egypt, the Bible reminds us that God’s people have often been strangers in foreign lands. Jesus echoes this call in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, urging us to show compassion across boundaries.
In light of recent changes in immigration laws, we have prayerfully considered how to respond as a congregation. Led by our Senior Warden Bill Lintz and vestry member Cyndi Bloom, a committee has developed a set of protocols to guide our response. These were approved by the vestry in May.
We invite you to review the information below and to contact us with any questions you may have.
In Christ,
Andrew+
Church Protocols
If ICE Arrives at St. Gregory’s
The person first encountering the ICE Agent should immediately refer them to a designated spokesperson. They should not answer any questions or engage in conversation.
The designated point person should immediately meet the ICE agents at the door. Ask to see identification and badge numbers of all agents present. Inquire about the purpose of their visit and request to see their warrant.
Warrant Verification
Determine if the warrant is judicial (signed by a judge) or administrative. Only allow entry to private areas if a valid judicial warrant is presented. If no judicial warrant is presented, you may refuse entry to private areas.
During the Encounter
If ICE enters without proper authorization, state clearly that the church does not consent to their entry. Inform ICE that all persons present will exercise their constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent. Do not interfere with the ICE agents if they proceed anyway. Document the encounter with detailed notes and if possible, video recordings.
An arrest is made on church property after all other steps are taken:
Try to elicit some information as to where the person is being taken so family can be notified. Do not interfere with an arrest.
After ICE Leaves
Immediately report the incident to a church leader: Fr. Andrew, Kristen Chaney or Bill Lintz. Fr. Andrew may notify the Diocese office. They may contact the RRAIS (Rapid Response Alliance for Immigration Safety) for guidance. Hotline: 888-600-5762.
Provide support and resources to affected individuals and families.
Remember, no one at church is required to speak with ICE or provide information about anyone’s immigration status. Always consult with legal counsel before engaging further with ICE agents.
Church Protocol If US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows up at St. Gregory’s
Background Information
In 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti and Venezuela, shortening the designation and extension period for Haiti to 12 months, ending on August 3, 2025, and terminating the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela effective April 7, 2025, first wave and September 10, 2025, for 2nd wave. The ending of TPS will affect 1.1 million asylum seekers.
Last week the United States Supreme Court ended another form of legal status for immigrants called Humanitarian Parole. This is different than TPS and will affect nearly 400,000 immigrants in South Florida from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Many of these people have been living in the US for years and many hold crucial jobs in South Florida industries facing labor shortages that include health care, education, hospitality and construction.
Schools, Churches and Hospitals are no longer off limits to ICE
Immigrants of any status have rights under the 4th and 5th amendments of the Constitution. Fourth Amendment Rights: Immigrants have rights against illegal searches and seizures of property. The only way ICE or other law enforcement can conduct a search is through a legal Judicial Warrant not an administrative warrant. Fifth Amendment: You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.
If anyone is approached by ICE or other Law Enforcement remember: (1) You don’t have to answer questions. (2) You don’t have to consent to a search. (3) Ask if you are free to Go. In not, ask if you are being detained or arrested. This is the point you should contact an attorney.
Alert Hotline: 888-600-5762. You will get an immediate response for emergency legal help from the RAPID RESPONSE ALLIANCE FOR IMMIGRANT SAFETY AND EMPOWERMENT.
ICE must have a judicial warrant to enter private spaces of a church. You may ask to see the warrant before allowing ICE in. A judicial warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge and describes the location than can be entered with the warrant. It is different from administrative warrants that may be issued by ICE or another federal agency with the name of an individual to be arrested. Your church can refuse to allow ICE access to private areas of the church without a judicial warrant.
No one at your church is required to talk to ICE, give ICE agents any information, or say anything about anyone’s immigration status. Before speaking with ICE you should call an attorney or the Alert Hotline: 888-600-5762
Protocol Resources
Please click the buttons below to view additional resources from the Episcopal Church or to download St. Gregory’s protocol document developed based on the diocese protocols and updated by the St. Gregory’s Vestry.
Immigration Resources from The Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida
CONTACT US
Please contact the church representatives listed below or complete the form below for more information.
DESIGNATED CHURCH SPOKESPERSONS:
1. Father Andrew, Rev. Robyn, Kristen Chaney and Bill Lintz for anywhere on church property.
2. Kristen Chaney for staff and office volunteers.
3. Gena Vallee for Meals With Meaning guests and volunteers
4. Anita Sherman for youth area on second floor
5. David Cominole and David Rogers for Ushers and Greeters