Student-Planned Panel Discusses Immigration Crackdown and Christian Response

The Context and Current Climate

Immigration crackdowns have become a pressing issue across the United States, with significant implications for communities in cities like Chicago. Wheaton College, located in Illinois, recently hosted an enlightening panel discussion aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding on how Christians should respond to this ongoing crisis.

A Student-Driven Initiative

The event, titled “Stories of Justice, Paths of Mercy,” was a collaborative effort between Wheaton College’s student chaplains and the advocacy group, The Wheaton Advocate. This initiative underscores the college’s commitment to engaging with pressing social issues through a Christian lens.

Panel Insights

Catherine Norquist, an employee of World Relief Chicagoland, opened the event by presenting troubling statistics on recent immigration crackdowns. According to her, there are currently 59,792 people in ICE detention facilities across the nation. The U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that more than half a million immigrants have been removed from the United States this year. Norquist emphasized that the discrepancy between these numbers is due to deportations and wrongful arrests.

Notably, only 7% of those detained nationally have been convicted of violent crimes, highlighting the issue of unjust treatment under current policies. She also pointed out that one in every twelve Christian households in the United States faces the risk of having at least one family member deported, although Christians should not be concerned solely with fellow believers.

Community and Individual Efforts

The panel continued with Kelly Wilson, who shared her experiences working with Mennonite Action Chicago (MAC), an organization initially formed to support Palestinians. Through MAC, she has been involved in efforts to assist immigrants amidst the heavy ICE presence.

“If one is suffering, then all suffer with them,” Wilson quoted from 1 Corinthians 12:26, emphasizing the importance of compassion and solidarity among believers. She highlighted volunteer opportunities at World Relief and encouraged attendees to call their representatives and state senators to communicate that current treatment of immigrants is not widely supported.

Andrew Luhmann, an associate professor in geology, shared his family’s involvement with anti-ICE efforts since early September.

He recounted incidents where his sons used their phones to record and chase ICE away multiple times on a single day. His account underscores the extent of community support for immigrants, including donations of food, clothing, and other supplies.

Luhmann also spoke about the dehumanization caused by current policies, stating that it has led to significant trauma among those affected. He emphasized the need for collective action against these injustices, calling on the wider community to stay vigilant and supportive.

Government Impact and Human Trafficking

West Chicago Mayor Daniel Bovey, joined the panel to discuss his city’s participation in protests and the broader impact of immigration crackdowns. He highlighted how the federal agency tasked with fighting human trafficking, ICE, has been focusing on immigration enforcement instead, leading to a drop or neglect of cases involving human trafficking.

The final panelist was Joel Jara, an immigrant who works with DuPage Health Coalition. He shared stories from immigrants who have come seeking support, including a woman whose husband had been deported and her brother detained in Texas. Jara described the situation as a crisis, stating that domestic terrorism is occurring through current policies.

A Call to Action

The event concluded with a time of prayer followed by worship in both Spanish and English. Senior Jenalie Hemphill, founder of The Wheaton Advocate, expressed pride in the discussions held at the panel. She noted that while she was surprised by Wheaton College’s willingness to host such an event, it marked a significant step towards addressing pressing social issues.

The discussion revealed the complexity and urgency of the immigration issue, as well as the growing resistance from communities across Chicago and beyond.

As the number of ICE agents in the area is set to increase significantly, participants emphasized the need for continued vigilance and support for those affected by these policies.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, this panel discussion at Wheaton College not only provided a platform for dialogue but also highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges posed by immigration crackdowns. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains crucial for all stakeholders to engage constructively and compassionately.