Jesus Calls Us to Care for the Stranger
Many of our immigrant brothers and sisters are concerned that they may be stopped by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or other law enforcement. They fear that, no matter what their status, they may be separated from their families and deported. The FUMC Denton Church and Society Committee seeks to support these families.
Everyone in the United States has specific constitutional rights. This is true whether a person was born here, immigrated legally, is the child of immigrant parents, or entered without legal status. Those rights include
Right to Remain Silent: No person has to answer questions about their immigration status. They can assert their right to remain silent.
Right to an Attorney: Everyone has the right to request an attorney if they are detained. They do not have to make statements or sign anything without legal counsel.
Right to Refuse a Search: A person does not have to consent to a search of their home or belongings without a warrant.
Jesus bids us to welcome the stranger and show hospitality to those in need. Here, at FUMC Denton, we choose to offer hospitality by distributing Know Your Rights cards, provided by Church and Society. The purpose of these cards is to provide immigrants with a way to communicate their right to remain silent and not answer questions without needing to verbally explain their legal rights in a potentially stressful or intimidating situation.
It’s important to note that while the card serves as a way to assert one's rights, it doesn't guarantee that an individual will be left alone. However, it provides a helpful reminder that immigrants have legal protections, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
You may have friends who worry about being detained by ICE. You may know of businesses that serve clients who worry about being stopped. Please feel free to take several cards to share in whatever way you wish.
We are called to treat immigrants, refugees, and displaced individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or legal status. By distributing these cards, we are serving as Jesus’ hands and feet…take as many as you want. Contact the Church and Society Committee here.