Following the accident in Sioux City involving an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer, the Bishop of the Sioux City Diocese released a letter to the community expressing his concern.
In the letter, Bishop John Keehner said he cannot remain silent as immigrants, part of the community, live in fear and uncertainty.
Keehner said many immigrant families are feeling violence, poverty, and instability, and they are parents seeking safety for their children.
He urged people in the community to stand in solidarity with immigrant families who contribute so much to the community and encouraged policymakers to pursue responsible immigration reform.
Additionally, Deacon Mark Prosser, Chief of Staff for the Diocese of Sioux City, told Siouxland Public Media on Thursday that the churches are not sanctuaries and no laws provide that kind of protection from ICE.
Prosser said he hopes that law enforcement respects the sanctity and the services that occur inside churches.
He mentioned if someone is misinformed about churches being sanctuaries and they need assistance, the diocese meets the people halfway by guiding them to appropriate advocacy groups or legal counsel.
The Trump administration rescinded a policy that restricted ICE agents from taking certain actions at schools, hospitals, and places of worship in January 2025.