A Service of Solidarity: Minneapolis Church Unites Amid Immigration Tensions

Tue Feb 03 2026 03:03:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of rising immigration enforcement, a Minneapolis church holds a 'Service of Lament and Hope', bringing together a community in search of solace and strength.

On a recent Sunday, St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church in Minneapolis hosted a ‘Service of Lament and Hope’ as tensions rise from an immigration enforcement crackdown, following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent. The service, attended by a predominantly immigrant congregation, provided a space for prayer, communal support, and expression of fears amid ongoing apprehension in their community.

MINNEAPOLIS — In response to increasing fears stemming from heightened immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, a local church opened its doors for a heartfelt service dubbed 'Lament and Hope'. This gathering comes on the heels of a tragic incident where an immigration officer fatally shot a woman in the city, raising alarms within immigrant communities.

Rev. Hierald Osorto, pastor of St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church, addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of coming together in such turbulent times. Gathering is such a critical thing to do, especially in these times. It’s been a difficult week,” he expressed, resonating with the congregation assembled.

Minneapolis has found itself at the center of a controversial immigration debate, fueled by an influx of about 2,000 Department of Homeland Security agents sent to the area. This surge has instilled fear among many in the city’s immigrant population, who are now confronting a harsher reality of potential detentions and deportations.

Unity Through Faith

The service mirrored a typical worship experience with candles being lit, hymns being sung, and communion being shared. However, outside the church, the atmosphere was marked by the presence of immigration enforcement officers, leading to tensions as activists attempted to thwart their efforts through protests.

Despite fears, attendees found solace within the church walls. Many lit candles and exchanged hugs, defying the external pressures surrounding them. Volunteers distributed pamphlets emblazoned with the phrase, Justice is for Everyone: Immigrant Rights Now!, reinforcing their united front. Over its long history, the church has evolved from a predominantly Swedish congregation to one that now seamlessly blends Spanish and English services.

A Communal Prayer

During the service, Rev. Osorto led prayers for the woman who was tragically killed, reflecting on the broader impact of violence and enforcement on the community. What’s happened here in the Twin Cities has changed us for the rest of our lives,” he noted. Attendee Anna Amundson shared the palpable fear in the community, revealing that many are reluctant to move about, fearing for their safety. “People in our congregation are scared,” she stated.

One member, identified only as Lizete for her safety, spoke of the anxiety faced by numerous immigrant families. After contemplating whether to remain at home, she opted to attend the service, finding strength in her community. Here I have my people, who are close to me, and I feel their support,” she remarked.

Resilience Amid Adversity

Through hymns like “Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten. Those who seek God shall never go wanting”, worshippers drew upon the message of resilience articulated during the service. Following the main service, the church opened its doors for a singing vigil, allowing attendees to vocalize their hopes and push back against the enforcement actions.

Jose Luis Villasenor, a member of the congregation, reminded those present of their collective strength, reinforcing their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. He urged them to remember their capacity to overcome challenges together, fostering a spirit of unity as they navigate these uncertain times.