By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Christian right frequently exploits accusations of religious persecution to distract from the consequences of their political actions, particularly those related to the Trump administration and its policies. When anti-racism activists protested a church with ties to ICE, the church leadership and its allies falsely portrayed the event as an act of religious oppression. This response, along with the church’s promotion of controversial teachings, revealed a concerning trend of prioritizing their right to avoid criticism over addressing the impact of their actions on marginalized communities, as demonstrated by their opposition to criticism of ICE’s operations. The article suggests this narrative serves to shield the church from scrutiny, emphasizing that religious freedom should not be a barrier to questioning a church’s teachings, especially when those teachings promote or enable harm to others.
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Pro-ICE churches should be shamed. This isn’t just a matter of opinion; it’s a stark contradiction to the core teachings of a faith that, at its heart, preaches compassion and acceptance. These churches, by supporting policies that actively cause suffering to vulnerable people, are betraying the very principles they claim to uphold. The contrast between the message of welcoming the stranger, as frequently emphasized in scripture, and the actions of ICE, is undeniable. It’s a fundamental betrayal of core religious tenets.
Pro-ICE churches actively choosing to disregard the clear biblical instructions for treating immigrants with kindness and generosity. The teachings of Jesus himself, repeatedly call for compassion towards those in need. It’s truly baffling how these churches can reconcile their support for ICE with these foundational beliefs. It’s like they’ve selectively chosen which parts of the Bible to believe in, conveniently overlooking the passages that challenge their political agenda. Their actions aren’t just a misinterpretation of faith; they’re a perversion of it.
Pro-ICE churches should be shamed because they’ve become complicit in a system that tears families apart, traumatizes individuals, and dehumanizes a vulnerable population. They’re aligning themselves with an institution known for its harsh tactics and disregard for human rights. It’s hard to ignore how these actions directly contradict the call for justice and mercy found throughout religious texts. These churches have become sanctuaries for hypocrisy, and they need to be held accountable for their choices.
Pro-ICE churches should be shamed, and arguably they should lose their tax-exempt status. It’s a matter of principle. Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t subsidize organizations that actively work against the values of compassion and community that many, including myself, believe should be the core of any moral framework. Why should we provide financial support to entities that seemingly prioritize political agendas over the well-being of others? The very idea is counterintuitive.
Pro-ICE churches are creating a moral stain on the Christian faith, which should be shamed. These congregations are increasingly resembling the very Pharisees that Jesus condemned. They’ve become more focused on political power and self-righteousness than on the fundamental principles of love and service. Their actions cause many to question their sincerity, and it’s understandable why this can be a catalyst for some to abandon religion altogether. The hypocrisy is often blatant and damaging.
Pro-ICE churches should be shamed for their detachment from reality. They are ignoring the real-world consequences of their actions. The people ICE targets are human beings, not abstract concepts. They have families, dreams, and a right to be treated with dignity. To support policies that inflict suffering on these individuals is a gross violation of moral responsibility. To ignore the human cost in favor of a political ideology is simply unacceptable.
Pro-ICE churches are creating a haven for what can be described as, “Christians In Name Only,” or “ChINOs”. They are creating a distorted version of faith that prioritizes political alignment over genuine spirituality. This behavior is at odds with the true meaning of the message and the moral high ground that they try to claim. True Christians would welcome those in need and embrace the true teachings of Jesus.
Pro-ICE churches need to be pressured. The response should be a constant challenge to their values. The public should be reminded of the contradictions inherent in their stance. This also entails actively supporting policies and organizations that help immigrants and challenge ICE’s practices. It means educating others about the dangers of Christian nationalism and the importance of upholding human rights. It’s about ensuring that those who claim to represent faith are actually living up to its ideals, or that their tax breaks are forfeited.
Pro-ICE churches should be shamed by treating them the way they treat others. It’s about shining a light on their hypocrisy. It’s about making them uncomfortable with their actions, because if shame worked on the “maga” crowd, then things would be different. This is how the message should be delivered. They are not Christian. They should lose their tax exempt status. They need to be pushed back and corrected on every single point.
Pro-ICE churches shouldn’t exist, and the fact that they do is a tragedy. This is not about attacking religion; it’s about holding those who claim to represent it accountable for their actions. It’s about demanding that they align their behavior with their professed beliefs. It is about a moral obligation to speak out against injustice and to stand in solidarity with those who are being marginalized. This should be the core of any value system, including religion.