Misusing Jesus to Shield Illegals

In an alarming turn of events, more than 50 self-proclaimed “justice-seeking” congregations have chosen to light candles—not to honor the victims of crime, law enforcement officers, or law-abiding citizens—but to defend individuals deported for connections to illegal activity or for violating U.S. immigration laws.

These congregations, in what resembles more of an ideological performance than a spiritual act, equate immigration policies with “barbed wire” and detention centers with “concentration camps.” Yes, you read that right—they are comparing the enforcement of the rule of law in the United States to the horrors of totalitarian regimes. This manipulation of both language and faith is not only offensive to real victims of persecution and genocide throughout history, but also to the millions of Americans who believe in a nation governed by law, not by selective emotionalism.

They cite names like Kilmar Abrego García and Arturo Suárez Trejo—men who were lawfully deported. While their situations may be personally difficult, that does not change the fact that they were outside the legal framework. Rather than calling for the upholding of due process and border enforcement, these churches are elevating these individuals to near-martyr status, completely ignoring the dangers of failing to apply immigration law.

What is most concerning is the symbolic use of Jesus to justify their stance. In their declaration, they state, “though we do not expect paradise from our government, we do expect due process,” and plead that public officials “speak with the compassion of Jesus.” But what they intentionally omit is that Jesus also spoke of justice, order, and individual responsibility.

The climax of their rhetoric comes when they claim that “detention centers have more in common with concentration camps than with prisons,” promoting a deeply irresponsible and misinformed narrative. They ignore the fact that detention centers are supervised, regulated, and subject to judicial oversight—unlike totalitarian camps that operated outside the law.

This is a clear example of how certain segments of the left are willing to distort even religious teachings to further their political agenda. Using the pulpit to incite defiance of the law and to defend those who exist outside the legal framework is not justice—it is ideological manipulation dressed in spiritual robes.

Now more than ever, Americans who love this country must stand firm in defense of our laws, our borders, and our sovereignty. Because true justice begins with respect for the truth—not its emotional distortion.