Faith Leader Condemns DHS Use of Bible Verses to Promote ICE Operations
In a powerful rebuke of federal immigration enforcement tactics, a prominent Christian leader has publicly criticized the Department of Homeland Security for utilizing Bible verses to promote the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This criticism joins a growing chorus of faith leaders who have opposed what they describe as the Trump administration's instrumental use of Christianity to advance policies that have caused significant harm to vulnerable communities.
A Call to Defund ICE
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of the Interfaith Alliance and an ordained Baptist minister, has leveraged his platform to urge Congress to halt funding for ICE. His organization, which comprises a diverse network of individuals from various faith traditions, is dedicated to building a resilient democracy and fulfilling America's promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all citizens.
Raushenbush characterized the DHS's practice of posting scriptural verses as recruitment advertisements on social media platforms as both "blasphemous" and a "betrayal" of core Christian principles. He elaborated on this perspective in an interview, stating that the current administration appears to attack individuals of any faith who do not align with its political agenda. Furthermore, he argued that when the administration speaks of advocating for religious freedom, its actions suggest it "does not genuinely mean it."
Faith as a Tool for Legitimization
Instead of genuine religious advocacy, Raushenbush contends that the administration employs faith strategically to "legitimize" policies and actions that result in violence. This critique comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly following recent violent incidents involving ICE operations.
Raushenbush recently traveled to Minneapolis to participate in local and national efforts demonstrating solidarity with communities affected by ICE raids and clashes with demonstrators. His visit followed the tragic shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE officer. He was invited by the local multifaith group MARCH (Multifaith Antiracism, Change & Healing), which issued a nationwide call to clergy and faith leaders to gather in Minneapolis as a show of support.
The group's demands are clear and direct:
- ICE must leave Minnesota entirely.
- Congress must deny any additional funding to ICE.
Grassroots Faith Organizing in Minnesota
Raushenbush highlighted the significant and diverse faith-based organizing occurring in Minnesota. Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and other faith groups have been actively present on the ground, providing meaningful support to affected communities. Their efforts have included:
- Documenting arrests during enforcement actions.
- Hosting sing-ins and pray-ins as forms of peaceful protest.
- Delivering food to individuals who are too afraid to leave their homes due to the administration's aggressive immigration crackdown.
He noted that faith communities in Minneapolis have unfortunately had prior experience responding to trauma and state-sponsored violence. During his visit, Raushenbush joined a pilgrimage from George Floyd Square—the site of George Floyd's murder—to the location where Renee Good was killed. He learned that even during this solemn journey, a violent clash occurred between federal officers and observers, underscoring the pervasive nature of the tension.
Further Tragedy and Enduring Images
Raushenbush departed Minneapolis just hours before federal agents shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse. He described hearing about Pretti's death as "terrible" yet "not surprising" given the context. He was particularly moved by the nurse's final act of compassion, where Pretti used his body to help a woman who had fallen after being charged by ICE agents.
"That's the enduring image of him," Raushenbush reflected, emphasizing the stark contrast between such acts of humanity and the administration's policies.
Rooted in Faith, Opposed to Nationalism
While the Trump administration uses Christian imagery to promote DHS operations, Raushenbush stresses that his own work rallying against ICE and fighting for immigrant communities is deeply "rooted" in the authentic mandates of his Christian faith. He accuses the administration of using scripture as a "perfume to cover the stench of their policies," a practice he finds fundamentally contradictory to Christian teachings.
"The foundational mandate of Christianity is to love your neighbor," Raushenbush stated. "Loving your neighbor is ultimately about how you're committed to their well-being. It's something you have to embody. And I actually think loving your neighbor is a foundation of democracy."
He believes the current administration is pursuing a "white Christian nationalist agenda" that specifically targets Black and brown people, as well as non-Christians, citing the Somali Muslim community in Minneapolis as a clear example. "We have to recognize that this is part of an agenda that is driving this administration. And it's extremely dangerous and should be called out for what it is," he warned.
Historical Context and Legal Perspective
Bryan Adamson, a law professor specializing in First Amendment law at Case Western Reserve University, noted that the misuse of scripture to justify government actions is, "sadly, nothing new." He drew a direct parallel to historical injustices, stating, "Since slavery in America, scripture has been misused to justify the most horrific injustices."
He argued that the DHS's current articulation is "no less abhorrent and distorted" than past justifications for systemic oppression. Professor Adamson pointed out that ICE's actions reflect none of the Bible's moral commands regarding hospitality to strangers, administering true justice, or showing mercy and compassion.
"They've excised the Bible's timeless moral commands from their narratives," he said. "And in doing so, they revive the white supremacist Christo-nationalist ideology that marked the ugliest part of American history."
A Growing Discomfort Among the Faithful
Despite the administration's efforts, Raushenbush observes a shifting sentiment. He believes that an increasing number of Christians and people from diverse faith traditions are becoming profoundly "uncomfortable" with the harsh realities of the current immigration crackdown.
"I think people are looking at these videos and saying, 'Wait, what? What's happening? Is this us? ... Where is the gospel in this?'" he remarked, suggesting that the gap between professed faith and practiced policy is becoming too stark for many to ignore.
For Raushenbush, the issue represents a dual betrayal: "Not only is it a betrayal for me of my faith, but it's also a betrayal for me of my understanding of America as a country." His voice adds to a significant and growing interfaith movement calling for accountability, compassion, and a realignment of policy with professed national and religious values.
