Virtual briefing offers guidance to clergy on immigration officials

FLATBUSH/CENTRAL BROOKLYN — A VIRTUAL BRIEFING that Brooklyn Congressmember Yvette Clarke (D-09) hosted last week focused on making sure that churches in the borough have the resources and support they need to protect their congregations should immigration officials show up. Geared for clergy members, the briefing was titled “What Chicago and Minneapolis Taught Us” and featured elected leaders, advocates and experts with a record of standing against and overcoming immigration enforcement when it disregards the rule of law, Clarke’s office said.

The briefing was held with the expectation that the Department of Homeland Security is preparing agents of ICE and CBP to enter New York City and other sanctuary cities nationwide. Clarke’s district has a significant immigrant population.

Speakers provided legal advice for immigrant Americans if they are accosted by agents of the Trump administration, instruction on what clergy should do to proactively prepare for the possibility of immigration officers coming to their church, and guidance on how they should proceed reactively if their congregation becomes a target.

During the call, which Rep. Clarke’s office reported as well-attended and received favorably, Congressmember Robin Kelly of Illinois shared her firsthand experiences in Chicago with immigration agents and an update on her effort to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

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