American Academy of Religion
The Center for Religion and Cities (CRC)
at the American Academy of Religion
Responding to ICE Enforcement in Sacred Spaces: We Protect Us
Responding to ICE enforcement in sacred spaces has become an urgent issue as immigration agents increasingly target houses of worship and community centers across the United States. Despite the longstanding tradition of religious communities serving as sanctuaries, recent policy changes and escalated enforcement have led to arrests and threats on sacred grounds, undermining spiritual and community safety. In response, organizations like the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature have issued statements of solidarity and convened emergency panels to coordinate rapid responses and support networks. This article explores the ongoing crisis, the legal and community actions underway, and provides practical steps for individuals and institutions to actively resist and protect vulnerable community members. To learn more about how you can stand with faith communities and promote sanctuary efforts, read the full article linked above.
If and when further incursions on sacred grounds come to pass, rapid response should be informed and intentional. For any of us who have been outraged about these injustices, these four questions from the abolitionist educator Mariame Kaba offer a helpful place to start:
What resources exist so I can better educate myself?
Who is already doing work around this injustice?
Do I have the capacity to offer concrete support and help to them?
How can I be constructive?
The American Academy of Religion's mission is to foster excellence in the academic study of religion and enhance the public understanding of religion. The Center for Religion and Cities (CRC) is a vital part of the American Academy of Religion (AAR), dedicated to exploring the dynamic intersections of religion, urban life, and social activism. Through fostering scholarly dialogue, community engagement, and innovative research, CRC seeks to deepen understanding of how religious communities shape and are shaped by urban environments worldwide.
As part of the AAR’s broader mission to advance religious studies, CRC emphasizes themes such as urban governance, community activism, social justice, and local knowledge. The Center collaborates with the AAR’s Religion and Cities unit—bringing together academics, practitioners, and community leaders—to facilitate conferences, panels, and resources that highlight the vital role of religion in urban contexts.
CRC’s work promotes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding city life, including topics like urban activism, religious ecology, community-based initiatives, and the role of faith in shaping equitable and inclusive cities. Its ongoing activities and resources aim to inspire collaborative efforts and innovative scholarship that address pressing urban challenges and social transformations.