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The UCC National Collaborative on Immigration organized a gathering at the Kansas City Conference Center on July 14 to protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The protest drew over 200 participants who rallied, chanted, and prayed in opposition to family separations and disappearances attributed to the Trump administration's policies. Protestors displayed signs with messages such as “Love knows no borders” and “Her love melts ICE.”
Earlier that day, the UCC passed a resolution with 98% approval condemning the current administration’s anti-immigrant policies during their General Synod. Clergy members offered prayers for those who have disappeared or been separated from their families, urging members to support immigrants facing these challenges.
Rev. Linda Jaramillo, former UCC Executive Minister of Justice and Witness, addressed the crowd saying, “This gathering was not one of celebration but of lamentation...the purpose of this rally is to pray and speak truth power.” She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts across communities to protect individuals at risk of deportation or discrimination.
The Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros recited a poem titled "A Public Prayer for the Arrested, the Brown, the Forgotten, and the Furious," reflecting on struggles faced by immigrants.
Karla Juarez, Executive Director of Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation of Kansas City, stated: “We will not let our neighbors be disappeared in silence...we’re letting people know of their rights.”
Rev. Steve Davis expressed his concerns about ICE actions he described as criminal behavior by denying due process.
Border Pastors from Texas and Arizona discussed negative impacts of border militarization. Rev. Randy Mayer criticized efforts undermining humanitarian work along the border: “This administration is trying to destroy our humanitarian efforts.”
Rev. Ali Lopez-Valcarcel highlighted fears within her community due to frequent raids: “In Texas we can’t step out of our house without seeing military...”
Rev. Yinessa Romero condemned ICE enforcement near churches while praying for detained individuals: “God of love that knows no borders...we ask for faith to keep fighting against government policies separating our families.”
Afterward, about 20 protesters visited Senator Josh Hawley's office regarding his support for legislation increasing ICE funding while cutting programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
Rev. Noel Anderson commented on meeting Hawley’s representative staff member instead: "This was about the Mega Bill that recently passed...I feel Hawley needs to take ownership."
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