BRANDON, Fla. — Churches, which were once considered off-limits for immigration enforcement due to their sensitive status in communities, are now facing the possibility of federal agents arresting migrants within their walls.
Since that policy was rescinded, sanctuaries like churches no longer feel safe for some immigrants. Two pastors report that fear has led to the shuttering of in-person services for the Haitian community in Brandon.
“We now have a ministry of people who are very frightened,” said Rev. Dr. Steve Blinder, senior minister of Brandon Christian Church.
Blinder says that attendance by immigrant members of their church has significantly declined since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that temporary protected status will end for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.
“A lot of them are scared. They don’t want to come to church because they are afraid that ICE may come inside to deport them,” said Pastor Richy Fortune.
Fortune leads the Haitian ministry at Brandon Christian Church — Disciples of Christ.
A ministry, he says, now mostly meets virtually.
“We go to their home, pray with them and make sure everyone is okay. We also have them watch services via Zoom,” he added.
Reverend Blinder shares that they are now providing red cards to support immigrant church members. These cards aim to empower them to confidently assert their rights and protect themselves in case they come into contact with ICE agents.
“Everyone in the church, no matter the ministry, needs to understand what ICE can and cannot do and what spaces they can enter, how they can enter, who they can even approach and speak to,” Blinder said.
He shared more with several congregations at Voices of Justice. For 30 years, Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies restricted activities at churches, schools, and hospitals. However, this was overturned in January.
“I ended up having a set of questions asked of me by some authorities here in Hillsborough because I have been accused of harboring illegals. Not one of the people that attend the Haitian Creole Ministry are here illegally. They were all here legally,” he told the crowd.
Both pastors joined other church communities at Nehemiah Action 2025 to advocate for improved quality of life and affordable housing in Hillsborough County, but they say they never expected this type of challenge to their ministry.
“When we started to do the work for progress and equality, we never thought that we were going to end up having to care so deeply for people right at our own church. People who are here legally and are just frightened,” said Blinder.
Both pastors express their desire for the sanctuary to serve as a safe haven for everyone.
