IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE MINISTRIES
Both the Diocese of North Carolina and the broader Episcopal Church have consistently supported compassionate, comprehensive immigration reform that respects the dignity of individuals, the sanctity of families and our scriptural mandate to care for the strangers among us.
This collection of resources is designed to provide resources for churches ministering with immigrant and refugee populations and to explain the diocese’s and The Episcopal Church’s stances on immigration and immigration reform.
RESOURCES FOR THE CURRENT MOMENT
In response to concerns we’ve heard from church leaders about their local immigrant and refugee communities, the diocese has gathered some resources to help you support your parishioners and communities.
The information on this page does NOT constitute legal advice. Churches should consult legal counsel for legal advice. Your legal rights depend on the specific facts of each situation and are subject to change.
As a safety precaution, we advise churches against broadcasting Spanish-language livestreams on public channels and ceasing public advertisements for events–like food distribution–that aggregate lots of people in a public setting. Instead, use informal and internal channels to spread the word. Follow the guidance of local leaders within immigrant and refugee populations on the safest ways to communicate information about programs and resources.
What happens if Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) shows up at our church?
From The Episcopal Church
If agents show up with a warrant seeking entry to private areas of the church, don’t invite them in. Ask to see the warrant. If it is a judicial warrant (see sample below; signed by a judge and filed in a court), verify that it correctly specifies your location. Call a lawyer right away and help people remain calm while agents perform their duties.
If agents hold an administrative (Department of Homeland Security) warrant (see sample below), they cannot enter private areas of a church unless someone gives them consent to enter. Ask them to wait outside while you call a lawyer for advice on how to proceed.
Agents with either type of warrant can enter public areas of the church without consent and make arrests. If this happens, focus on keeping people safe and as calm as possible.
-
12/09/25
-
12/09/25
More Q&A’s are available at the bottom of The Episcopal Church’s Immigration Action Toolkit.
-
12/09/25
Sample Warrant
-
12/09/25
The Diocese of North Carolina has adapted Know Your Rights resources originally published by the Diocese of Washington’s Refugee Response.
-
12/09/25
Sample Policies and Procedures
Episcopal City Mission in Boston has also put together excellent sample protocols and policies for Episcopal churches.
FIND A TRAINING
Siembra NC is a grassroots organizing coalition for Latinos and their allies in North Carolina. They offer both ICE Watch Trainings and Fourth Amendment Trainings (for dealing with ICE if they arrive at a workplace or church).
RESOURCES FOR STAYING INFORMED
-
12/09/25
Episcopal Church Immigration Updates
Weekly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.; hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries.
Community Resources for Immigrants and Refugees
-
12/09/25
-
12/09/25
when talking to law enforcement in several situations
-
12/09/25
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
-
12/09/25
in several languages
ICE INFORMATION
ICE AND CHURCH SPACES
-
12/09/25
Protect Areas Rescission Factsheet from NILC
(Revoking of Sanctuary Spaces)
-
12/09/25
Sanctuary Guidelines for Churches
(Interfaith Center of New York)
National News and Policy Updates
-
12/09/25
-
12/09/25
-
12/09/25
North Carolina Immigration News and Policy Updates
INFORMATION AND RESOLUTIONS FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
-
12/09/25
Extend Temporary Protective Status to Immigrants Fleeing Abuse
(Res. 2015-D074, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
Migration with Dignity Statement Advocacy Resources
Curated by Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)
-
12/09/25
Support Dominicans of Haitian Descent
(Res. 2015-D058, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
(Res. 2015-D033, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
Support Immigration Actions for Youth and Parents
(Res. 2015-D048, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
Support Permanent Birth Right Citizenship
(Res. 2015-D069, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
-
12/09/25
Urge Church-Wide Assistance to Undocumented Persons
(Res. 2015-D079, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
-
12/09/25
Urge Partnerships to Support Immigrant Families
(Res. 2015-D077, 78th General Convention, June 2015)
