A coalition of faith communities and social advocacy organizations is urging President George W. Bush to stop U.S. immigration officials from conducting indiscriminate raids on immigrant communities in search of illegal residents. In an Oct. 27 letter to Bush, the groups said the raids, which are being carried out by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have separated families and created an atmosphere of fear among all community members. Refugee and Immigration Ministries (RIM) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a co-signer to the letter.
"While violations of immigration law are civil – not criminal – offences, the sheer number of persons detained pending deportation results in immigrants, including whole families, being imprisoned in local jails," states the letter to the president. "There, they are held in facilities without accountable standards of humane treatment, and without access to medical treatment or religious services." To find out more or get resources to help individuals and congregations prepare for the raids, see: www.discipleshomemissions.org/rim/ImmigrationMinistries.htm
