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As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues its operations across the country, concerns have grown about the impact on families, particularly children living with undocumented family members. Over 5 million children in the United States are estimated to live with someone at risk of detention or deportation.
Reverend Dr. Esther Robles, Bridge Pastor at First United Church of Tampa (UCC), became aware of these challenges after hearing from Los Angeles area pastors during the July 2025 Disciples General Assembly. They described situations where children in their congregations witnessed ICE agents detaining family members.
In response, Robles initiated a project called Operation Cacti to support affected children and families emotionally and spiritually. Working with colleagues from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including the Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries and Week of Compassion, she developed resources such as Bible stories, activities, and discussion questions for use at home or church.
Robles explained that the goal is “encouragement and empowerment for oppressed immigrant families on an emotional and spiritual level.”
Megan Bergert, Minister for Refugee and Migration Services, joined early in developing Operation Cacti. She visited Robles’s congregation on November 9 to show support as youth received Operation Cacti kits containing items like crocheted teddy bears made by a church member. The Global HOPE team later awarded a MIRA grant to fund 100 kits for distribution in Tampa and other areas.
The project also provides Scripture commentary and sermons for pastors. For those not directly impacted by immigration enforcement, Operation Cacti includes reflection questions designed to help children understand immigration issues and ways to advocate for migrant justice.
Explaining the choice of name for the initiative, Robles said: “We call it ‘cacti’ because cacti are resilient plants able to grow in desert places, which are often dangerous, dry, and arid, but filled with beauty, life, growth, and possibility... Our shared history of faith tells us that it is also a place where God is actively present, guiding, protecting, and providing for people in unexpected ways.”
UCC congregations can participate by requesting kits or donating comfort items such as plush animals to be included in future distributions. Those interested are encouraged to contact Megan Bergert for more information.
