Concerned about rising anxiety within their congregations regarding immigration enforcement, North County pastors reached out to the Escondido Police Department for clarification and support.
An Escondido Police Department car is seen on August 12, 2024, in Escondido, California. Some North County pastors said their congregations are becoming increasingly nervous and fearful about immigration enforcement. On Tuesday, they turned to the police for guidance on how to respond to members of their congregation sharing their concerns. The faith leaders meet with Escondido police department captains monthly.
This month's top concern: immigration and the federal enforcement operations happening throughout different communities. 'With all the stuff that's going on in our country, in our nation ... some of the congregations are feeling ... the stress ... the fear from what's happened with immigration. Some of the pastors really seen that come to play this Sunday with some people missing from church. They didn't want to go because of the fear or misinformation that is out there,' said Agner Medrano, the pastor of Victory Outreach Church. Medrano, along with the faith leaders in attendance, wanted clarification from the Escondido Police Department on their role and how to respond to their communities. 'The police have made it very clear that they are following what California law and they are not working with immigration here in Escondido,' said Escondido council member Joe Garcia. 'They cannot speak for other law enforcement agencies, but certainly here in Escondido, that's what's going on.' Garcia said the city and police department will be issuing a statement to set the record straight on their role during federal immigration enforcement. But the biggest takeaway from the meeting was city leaders and police officers offering themselves to these faith leaders, to speak directly to their congregations about what their roles are and offer some reassurance and resources.
IMMIGRATION LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY RELATIONS FAITH LEADERS ESCONDIDO
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