Interfaith Council Statement on ICE Brutality

INTERFAITH COUNCIL STATEMENT ON THE ICE PRESENCE IN STAMFORD, DANBURY, NORWALK, BRIDGEPORT AND IN CT

As faith leaders, the Interfaith Council of Southwestern CT unequivocally condemns the brutality of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) toward our immigrant neighbors.

Our position is not about politics. It is not about legal reform. It is not about partisan debate. It is about our humanity.

During this past week, as our children prepared to start back to school, ICE officers targeted their school bus stops, local small businesses, the courthouses, and our own diverse neighborhoods, seeking to harass, kidnap, and traumatize local residents. Recent New York Times research showed that throughout our country, ICE continues to target those with no criminal background.

Terrorized as they were, immigrant families took their children to bus stops when school opened last week. Then they went to work. They tried to return home but some never made it. It is estimated that 50-65 of our neighbors were abducted in Connecticut alone the week of August 24, 2026.

The arc of morality is bending but not breaking. Our faith traditions may vary, but they are all the same when it comes to our common humanity. We urge all of our neighbors to be just that: neighbors.

Our faiths teach us that our neighbors are not just those living next door. They are neighbors in the Good Samaritan sense. Our neighbors are anyone in need, regardless of ethnicity, race, culture, gender or beliefs. Understanding neighbors in that sense means showing active mercy, love, respect, and compassion to all people.

This is only what we would ask of ourselves and of our faith.

To our immigrant neighbors, we stand in solidarity with you — on the streets, at the courthouses and in our congregations. You are not alone.

With faith and love,

The Interfaith Council of Southwestern CT

Rev. Jean-Luc Charles

Rev. Shelley Donaldson

Rev. Dr. Néstor Gómez

Rev. Winton M. Hill III

Rev. Michael Hyman

Rabbi Dr. Michael Rose Knopf

Pastor Martha McCreight

Rev. Tamesha Mills

Marie Orsini Rosen

Rev. Cynthia Ownby

Pastor David R. Piscatelli

Rev. Joseph Rose

Rev. ReBecca Sala

Rabbi Jay TelRav