[Episcopal News Service] The Trump administration, after deploying troops to Los Angeles, Chicago and other major U.S. cities to assist in intensified immigration enforcement operations and deportations, is poised to turn its focus on New Orleans, Louisiana.
The city’s immigrant communities are on alert and expressing anxiety about the expected arrival of U.S. Border Patrol agents. Federal officials have said little publicly about what is planned for New Orleans, though troops reportedly could arrive as early as Nov. 28 in preparation for raids to begin in early December.
On Nov. 22, Louisiana Bishop Shannon Duckworth issued a statement upholding the baptismal call to respect the dignity of every human being. The following is Duckworth’s full statement.
Beloved Sisters and Brothers,
Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who calls us to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).
In recent days, we have received notice of upcoming immigration enforcement actions that will take place across various Louisiana communities. As the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, I am mindful of our responsibility both to uphold the dignity of every person and to support the common good of our cities and towns.
Louisiana is a state that values order, stability, and the rule of law. As a diocese, we affirm the need for lawful systems of immigration and the importance of public safety. We also affirm that the current system is broken and requires reform. At the same time, we ask that the exercise of governmental authority be proportional, humane, and respectful of constitutional protections. Law and order must never be divorced from justice, and justice must never be separated from mercy.
We therefore urge all enforcement personnel, public officials, and community leaders to conduct themselves with compassion; to avoid actions that separate families unnecessarily; to respect houses of worship, schools, and hospitals as sensitive locations; and to honor the inherent worth of every human being regardless of immigration status.
During this period of heightened anxiety, we ask Louisiana congregations and faith communities to commit themselves to prayer, hospitality, practical and lawful assistance, and responsible reporting.
To those living in fear during this time: You are not alone. Your lives have dignity. Your children matter. Your faith communities walk beside you. While we cannot prevent lawful enforcement actions, we can stand with you, spiritually, pastorally, and humanely, so that fear does not have the final word.
The God we worship is a God who “is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and who calls nations to embody compassion. We pray that Louisiana may respond to these days not with panic, hostility, or division, but with courage, prudence, and neighborly love.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth
Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana