The Trump administration’s immigration policies have left legal migrants in limbo, with millions facing deportations and revoked visas. In response to federal immigration enforcement targeting immigrant communities, a Good Friday procession in Brooklyn took on new significance this year, as people mourned a new era in American immigration policy. President Trump campaigned on tough immigration enforcement, leading to a new era of immigration raids and increased fear within immigrant communities. Churches, once considered safe havens, are now at risk of being targeted by immigration officials, according to the Trump administration.
Clergy members like Rev. Juan Carlos Ruiz are shepherding their congregations through this fear, as they face the possibility of increased crackdowns. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where Ruiz serves, has been known for welcoming migrants, providing food, shelter, and services to help navigate the complicated legal system. More than 200,000 asylum seekers arrived in New York City in 2022, overwhelming the city’s resources. The fear of arrest and deportation weighs heavy on the congregation, with some members already experiencing the consequences of Trump’s immigration policies.
The Stations of the Cross procession, held by Ruiz on a Brooklyn block, carried added weight this year as people reflected on the current state of immigration in the United States. Fewer people joined the procession compared to previous years, highlighting the increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Despite the challenges, clergy members like Ruiz are determined to continue providing support and guidance to those facing the harsh realities of the current immigration system.
