Immigrant Violence and Clergy Response

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Immigrant Violence and Clergy Response

01/25/2026 06:32:47 PM

Jan25

In recent days, Minneapolis has seen heightened protests and violence tied to immigration enforcement, stirring fear, anger, and deep concern across the community. As events continue to unfold, our clergy have been paying close attention, reflecting on what this moment means for justice, safety, and human dignity. Below, they share their thoughts and prayers as we seek clarity, compassion, and peace in uncertain times.

Cantor Gabriel Lehrman and Senior Cantorial Soloist Steve Brodsky share the song “Here and Today,” in support of all those standing up for their rights in Minneapolis and other places around our country. We especially remember the tragic and horrific killings of Keith Porter Jr., Renee Good, and Alex Pretti, and know that, in the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

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On January 27, Rabbi Elizabeth Sacks. Rabbi Emily Hyatt, Steve Brodsky and Cantor Gabriel Lehrman gathered with members of the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance (GMDMA) outside the Aurora ICE detention center to demand reform, justice and accountability over what they described as unnecessary uses of force by federal officers.
“Violence against the innocent is never acceptable" - Rabbi Emily Hyatt
See the article and video at:
Faith leaders condemn killings by federal officers outside Aurora ICE facility | 9news.com

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Rabbi Sacks' sermon last Friday, "What Will We Tell Our Children?", focused on current events and how we can navigate this as parents. , She calls on our community to respond with moral urgency, to raise our voices publicly against violent immigration enforcement, and to take concrete action in solidarity with affected families. This, she teaches, is what it means to live the Exodus story in real time.

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This past week, Cantor Lehrman traveled to Minneapolis as part of a call from local clergy. Alongside 600 clergy members, they gathered to bear witness, amplify voices, and stand in solidarity with communities calling for justice against ICE and accountability for those who killed Renee Good and, more recently, Alex Pretti. The video shared was an immediate reaction captured in the moment while there. After taking time to process the experience, Cantor Lehrman has become even more convinced of the strength of Minnesotans organizing against ICE—and of the importance of following their lead by building community, grounding ourselves in tradition, and preparing for what may come.

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On January 16, Rabbi Hyatt spoke on "Theology of Anger". She asks a question that echoes through our shared lives and current world events - how do we understand God when the world around us feels so hard? She reminds the community that Judaism makes room for anger, confusion, and grief, teaching that honest emotion—spoken out loud and held together—is never a failure of faith but a sign that we care enough to stay connected and keep working toward a better world.

Joint Clergy Statement on Immigration Violence
https://www.ccarnet.org/jewish-cross-denominational-statement-against-violent-immigration-enforcement/

How to Help Minneapolis:
https://www.standwithminnesota.com/

MORE RESOURCES

General

Know Your Rights Training (ACLU, hosted by Democracy 2025 & NGO Solidarity Network)
Know Your Rights: Federal Agents And What They Are Doing (National Police Accountability Project, hosted by Democracy 2025 & NGO Solidarity Network)
Know Your Rights Train the Trainer Toolkit (Immigrant Legal Resource Center). Note: Much of this toolkit is aimed at California audiences.

Protestors’ Rights