1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned that immigration enforcement actions are now taking place in churches. Houses of worship have long been regarded as sanctuaries where people can practice their faith without fear. Arresting or detaining people in these spaces undermines religious freedom and damages trust within our communities. The recent detention of a Catholic nun in South Texas while she was walking to church illustrates why this approach is so troubling. She serves her parish as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and works as a registered nurse, after previously spending a decade as a certified nursing assistant. She contributes to her community through both her faith and her profession. Members of Congress intervened, and she was ultimately released. This incident also highlights a broader reality: immigrants are essential members of our workforce. We are already facing labor shortages in healthcare, agriculture, construction, hospitality, and many other industries. Mass deportations risk deepening these hiring crises, reducing productivity, and harming local economies. These facts contradict the claim that immigrants are simply here to collect welfare benefits. Millions are working, paying taxes, and filling jobs that are difficult to staff. I urge you to oppose immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship and to support policies that protect religious freedom while recognizing the economic contributions immigrants make to our country. We need solutions that uphold both our values and our economic interests.