In response to growing concerns about immigration enforcement, Pastor Caleb Crainer of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in west Los Angeles has developed a comprehensive plan to protect his congregation. This initiative comes after the Trump administration rescinded longstanding guidance that previously advised immigration agents to avoid houses of worship.
To ensure the safety and security of its members, the church has created a series of pink binders filled with essential information. Crainer points to the binders, which contain step-by-step instructions for responding to immigration officers, outlining what official court orders should look like, as well as critical information about legal rights.
These binders are strategically placed in various accessible areas of the church, including the entrance to the sanctuary and the fellowship hall, making the materials available to anyone who might need them.
The creation of these resources involved collaboration with other clergy, attorneys, and immigrant rights organizations. Crainer has also conducted role-playing exercises with his congregation, preparing church staff, ushers, greeters, and members to effectively respond should immigration agents arrive at their door.
Crainer notes that many other congregations across Los Angeles are taking similar precautionary measures as the federal government’s focus on immigration enforcement intensifies in the area.
During this preparation phase, Crainer has emphasized the importance of understanding the law. He explains the distinction between public and private spaces within the church.
In public spaces, such as the sanctuary and fellowship hall where worship activities occur, immigration agents have the right to enter. However, they cannot enter private areas, like the pastor’s office, without a warrant.
In addition to the binders, St. Andrew’s has distributed ‘know your rights’ brochures in both English and Spanish to church members and surrounding neighborhoods. The congregation has also adopted a policy of not documenting any member’s immigration status.
Religious leaders across Los Angeles have recognized the urgency of the situation and have been proactive in their response to heightened immigration enforcement. Jennifer Gutierrez, executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, mentions that their efforts began immediately after the 2024 presidential election.
Gutierrez’s organization has been conducting ‘know your rights’ training and providing sanctuary and rapid response training to various congregations. With the recent increase in immigration arrests, their initiatives have continued to evolve.
Gutierrez notes that clergy members, including rabbis, have been visible at community actions, offering peaceful support and solidarity with those facing these challenges. Her group participates in court hearings and maintains a weekly vigil at the federal building in downtown Los Angeles.
The concern over immigration arrests has prompted significant measures even in neighboring San Bernardino County. Recently, the Catholic bishop of that diocese granted a special dispensation from attending mass for anyone who feels afraid of potential detention when going to church.
To further assist congregations with large immigrant populations, many houses of worship have moved their services online, mirroring the adaptations made during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift allows individuals who fear encountering immigration agents to participate in worship from the safety of their homes.
Additionally, some ministers are taking the extra step of delivering communion directly to parishioners to minimize the risk of exposure to law enforcement.
For Pastor Caleb Crainer, the current climate evokes memories of the early church when Christians faced persecution from the Roman Empire. Just as those early followers of Jesus leaned on biblical stories of community and support, Crainer believes that faith communities today have a vital role in standing with the most vulnerable among them.
As immigration enforcement actions become more prevalent, many congregations, including St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, are more committed than ever to protecting their members and fostering a spirit of solidarity and care.
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