The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) came under fire recently for its role in educating illegal immigrants how to circumvent immigration policies as well as for its “religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches.” In early February, following Donald Trump’s historical electoral victory and subsequent inauguration, the PCA expressed concern over the removal of former immigration policies that excluded houses of worship and other religious centers from ICE raids. It even posted information how to avoid ICE detention.
The since-deleted post, which instructed illegals to tell enforcement officers of a fear of being returned to their home country, which would likely afford them a special interview, or to even press the matter further by asking for an immigration judge to arbitrate their expressed concerns. The post can be read in part below:
“Many undocumented persons are married to green card holders or to US citizens. Many have US citizen children,” the document explained. “Our neighbors who have no documents and those who have temporary status are facing much uncertainty in the months and years ahead. ” The article concluded with a variety of ways that illegals could both evade and frustrate ICE.
“Remain calm. Show ICE your identity document (if you do not have lawful status, show an identity document that does not include your country of birth or citizenship),” the document further instructed. “If you were granted parole or … you fear returning to your home country, tell the officer you are afraid to go back. You should get a Credible Fear Interview as a result. If the officer denies your Credible Fear Interview, ask for the chance for an immigration judge to review your fear.”
In addition to posting this document, the shared on its website that the PCA “is among more than two dozen plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in response to a recission [sp] of the Department of Homeland Security’s “sensitive locations” policy. That policy had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration raids, arrests and other enforcement actions at houses of worship,” PCUSA wrote on their website in an article published on February 12, 2025.
The church added that it felt it was their mission “to help protect all God’s children.” Of course, this common refrain ignores the larger realities felt by many and indeed expressed at the polls. Every human being on the planet can be a child of God and made in His image while at the same sovereign nation-states can secure their borders and decide who and who not is part of their country.
Following the massive backlash, PCA responded with a lengthy statement. That statement can be read in part below, where the church tries distancing itself by saying the post was “erroneously” allowed to go live.
“Recently, we posted links on our webpage to external organizations offering a wide range of recommendations and frequently asked questions on immigration,” the PCA explained. “MNA’s leadership erroneously allowed the posting of content that advised undocumented persons on ways to avoid being detained by authorities. We affirm that it is our Christian duty to obey the lawful commands of the civil magistrate and be subject to their authority.”
Then, the PCA clarified that moving forward“However, MNA does not engage in providing legal advice, political campaigning, or partisan positions. The information we post going forward will provide ecclesiastical resources in line with our Confession for guidance on the matter.”