Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, a prominent voice in the Hispanic Christian community and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, recently spoke with CBN about the Trump administration’s directive allowing ICE agents to target traditionally protected spaces, including churches, schools and hospitals.
This decision has sparked significant debate, especially within faith communities that are deeply concerned about its potential impact on illegal immigrants. Rodriguez’s perspective offers a nuanced balance between supporting justice and advocating for compassion, rooted in biblical principles.
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Rodriguez made it clear that the administration’s focus is not on deporting individuals who have lived law-abiding lives for decades. “They’re coming after the pedophiles, they’re coming after the gangbangers, they’re coming after the cartel, the coyotes, the human traffickers. That’s who they’re coming after,” he said. For Rodriguez, this targeted approach aligns with the biblical mandate for justice, as seen in Romans 13:3-4, which reminds us that authorities are meant to be “a terror” to wrongdoers, not those who do right.
However, Rodriguez expressed deep empathy for the individuals who might feel collateral fear. “I want to make sure they don’t cross the line,” he said of the administration’s actions, emphasizing that churches should remain places of sanctuary for law-abiding individuals.
/**/One of the most significant concerns Rodriguez shared is the potential impact on Hispanic congregations. He highlighted reports from pastors who said their church attendance dropped by “15-20%” due to fear. “There is a concern that these areas now will be targeted,” he acknowledged. Yet, he also addressed the importance of countering misinformation with truth, as Ephesians 4:25 urges us to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.”
Rodriguez’s support for removing sanctuary policies stems from his belief in the moral responsibility to hold criminals accountable. “Can you believe that there are states and mayors who have rapists and pedophiles in their prisons, undocumented, and they refuse to give ICE direct access or information? To me, I find that to be morally reprehensible and illogical,” he stated.
At the same time, Rodriguez reminded listeners that the administration must tread carefully to avoid harming innocent families. “I do not believe this administration will in any way form or shape work to jeopardize churches and communities that undergirded his election,” he said, referencing the significant Latino support for President Trump.
Pastor Rodriguez’s insights remind us of the delicate balance between enforcing the law and using discernment for the days we live in. By rooting these actions in biblical principles, he hopes to protect the law-abiding while ensuring justice for those who exploit and harm others. His prayerful hope is that accurate information and measured policies will prevent unnecessary fear and maintain the sanctity of churches as places of worship and reverence.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
