Faith Leaders Reflect on Immigration Surge in Minnesota

Community leaders discuss moral and legal implications of ICE crackdown

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A pensive, elderly immigrant man sitting alone on a bench in a dimly lit urban plaza, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across his weathered face, conveying the loneliness and uncertainty faced by many during the immigration crackdown.Faith leaders' reflections on the moral implications of the federal immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota shed light on the human toll and community response.Minneapolis Today

When federal immigration enforcement surged into Minnesota in January, communities faced not just a legal issue but a moral one. Faith leaders who were on the front lines of the response recently gathered to reflect on the impact of the immigration crackdown and their role in supporting affected communities.

Why it matters

The immigration enforcement actions sparked widespread concern and activism within Minnesota's diverse faith communities, who saw it as a moral imperative to assist and advocate for vulnerable immigrant populations. The event provided an opportunity for these leaders to share their perspectives and experiences in navigating the complex intersection of faith, immigration policy, and community support.

The details

The panel discussion, hosted by MPR News, featured representatives from Lutheran, Jewish, and Muslim faith traditions, including Minister JaNaé Bates Imari, Rev. Hierald E. Osorto of St. Paul's-San Pablo Lutheran Church, Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg from Shir Tikvah Synagogue, and Imam Mowlid Ali from the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis. The faith leaders discussed how their communities mobilized to provide legal assistance, housing, and other resources to immigrants affected by the enforcement surge, as well as the moral imperative they felt to advocate for humane immigration policies.

  • The immigration enforcement surge occurred in Minnesota in January 2026.

The players

Minister JaNaé Bates Imari

A faith leader who participated in the panel discussion.

Rev. Hierald E. Osorto

The pastor of St. Paul's-San Pablo Lutheran Church who participated in the panel discussion.

Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg

The rabbi from Shir Tikvah Synagogue who participated in the panel discussion.

Imam Mowlid Ali

A leader at the Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center in Minneapolis who participated in the panel discussion.

Angela Davis

The MPR News host who moderated the panel discussion.

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What they’re saying

“When ICE surged into Minnesota in January, communities didn't just face a legal issue. They faced a moral one.”

— Angela Davis, MPR News Host

The takeaway

The faith leaders' reflections highlighted the deep moral and ethical dimensions of the immigration enforcement surge, underscoring the vital role that religious communities played in supporting vulnerable populations and advocating for more humane policies. Their perspectives shed light on the complex interplay between faith, immigration, and community resilience.