Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Response Toolkit for Congregations and Schools

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Response Toolkit for Congregations and Schools

Note: This document is not legal advice. Parishes and schools should consult legal counsel for specific guidance. Immigration policies and enforcement practices are subject to change, and congregations should stay informed through Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, local advocacy organizations and our Canons to the Ordinary and Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland.

Introduction

The Diocese of Maryland remains committed to providing safe and welcoming spaces for all people, including immigrants and refugees. Our congregations and schools may encounter situations where immigration enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), approach our buildings or communities.

This toolkit provides guidance on:

• Understanding legal rights and obligations.
• Preparing staff, clergy, and volunteers.
• Protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Responding to immigration enforcement actions.
• Connecting with legal and advocacy resources.

As Episcopal churches and schools in the Diocese of Maryland, we affirm our commitment to being a community of love:

• Providing refuge and safety for all people.
• Acting with compassion and courage.
• Preparing ourselves to respond faithfully.

By training our communities, developing clear policies, and acting in faith, we can respond with compassion and strength in ways that protect the dignity and safety of all. Together, we will stand in solidarity with immigrant families, ensuring that all who seek sanctuary in our spaces find a place of safety, dignity, and welcome.

1. Know Your Rights and Train Your Community

A. Essential Legal Rights

All individuals, regardless of immigration status, have constitutional rights:

• Right to remain silent/stay calm – No one is required to answer questions from ICE. If you choose to speak with a government representative, you must tell the truth. If you are unsure or do not know the answer to a question, it is best to simply say, “I don’t know” or “I am not sure.” Any statement that could be interpreted as false may be used to prevent you from successfully obtaining citizenship.
• Right to refuse entry – ICE cannot enter private property (including churches, schools, and homes) without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
• Right to an attorney – Everyone has the right to legal representation, though the government does not provide one in immigration cases.
• Right to refuse to sign documents – No one should sign anything without legal counsel.

B. Hosting “Know Your Rights” (KYR) Trainings

Every church and school are encouraged to host a KYR training to ensure staff, clergy, volunteers, and community members understand these rights.

Recommended organizations for KYR training:

• Episcopal Migration Ministries KYR Resources
• National Immigration Law Center KYR Guide
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) KYR
• We Have Rights (video resources)

2. Designating Public & Private Spaces

A. What is Considered “Private”?

• ICE cannot enter areas marked as private without a judicial warrant.
• Churches and schools should clearly designate private spaces with signage (e.g., “PRIVATE: Authorized Personnel Only”).

B. Public vs. Private Areas in a Church or School

Public Areas (ICE Can Enter Without a Warrant) Private Areas (ICE Needs a Judicial Warrant)

Public Areas (ICE Can Enter Without a Warrant)	Private Areas (ICE Needs a Judicial Warrant)
Church foyers, narthexes, and welcome centers	Church offices and classrooms
Worship areas during services (unless specified otherwise)	Vestries, sacristies, and meeting rooms
Fellowship halls and dining areas during public events	Any area marked as “Private” or restricted
Outdoor churchyards and parking lots	Clergy housing (parsonage or rectory)
School entrances and playgrounds (if accessible to public)	School classrooms, faculty lounges, and administrative offices

TIP: You may choose to post “PRIVATE SPACE” signs on doors of offices, vestries, and meeting rooms.

3. Guidelines for Responding to ICE

A. If ICE Shows Up at a Church or School

• Stay Calm & Document Everything.
• Ask to See Identification & Warrant.
• ICE must present a judicial warrant to enter private spaces.
• An administrative warrant is NOT enough.
• Samples of valid vs. invalid warrants: National Immigration Law Center Guide
• Do Not Provide Any Information.
• Call a Pre-Designated Church/School Leader.
• Inform Everyone Inside, But Do Not Panic.
• If Possible, Record the Encounter.

This is a very basic outline of how you can respond should ICE (or any immigration enforcement) come into the public sections in your building. It is intended for congregations who do not regularly have migrants in their building but who may on occasion. Congregations who regularly host migrants should develop a more robust plan for responding to immigration enforcement. This explainer from the National Immigration Center on ICE in workplaces provides similar guidance.

B. If ICE Detains Someone on Church Property

• Immediately contact the individual’s emergency contact.
• Encourage them to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
• Refer them to legal resources (see Section 5).
  ICE cannot detain or question minors at schools without a judicial warrant.

4. Developing a Response Plan

Each church and school should develop a customized response plan. This should include:

1. Designating a Response Team – Train at least two people to review warrants and handle ICE encounters.
2. Preparing a Contact List – Include immigration attorneys, advocacy groups, and emergency contacts.
3. Creating a Communication Protocol – Ensure staff and volunteers know who to call and how to notify the congregation without creating panic.
4. Role-Playing Scenarios – Conduct simulations of ICE encounters so leaders feel prepared.

5. Legal & Advocacy Resources

A. Legal Support

• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
• National Immigration Law Center

B. Advocacy & Community Resources

• Episcopal Migration Ministries
• Episcopal Refugee and Immigrant Center Alliance (ERICA)
• Faith In Action
• United We Dream

C. ICE Detainee Locator

If someone is detained, you can locate them using ICE’s online detainee locator: ICE Detainee Locator

6. Special Considerations for Schools & Youth Groups

A. Create an Emergency Plan for Children of Detained Parents.

• Ensure the youth ministry or school has a designated emergency contact for minors.
• Offer Know Your Rights sessions for parents.
• Inform school counselors and clergy of local resources.

B. Train Teachers & Staff on Immigration Rights.

• Schools should limit collection of immigration-related data to protect student privacy.
• Teachers should not discuss students’ immigration status publicly.
  Tip: Promote Family Emergency Plans in congregations and schools (ACLU Family Preparedness Guide).

Downloadable Resources

Full ICE Response Plan Template (Customizable)

Printable Know Your Rights Cards

ICE Detainee Locator

Episcopal Church Immigration Resources Page