Greetings ACC Pastors and Leaders:
As you have probably heard, last week Governor Shapiro, responded to questions about ICE operations in Pennsylvania and mentioned Lancaster alongside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. This week we learned that ICE has purchased a large warehouse in Berks County and another near Hagerstown, Maryland. In addition, car carriers are reportedly moving more vehicles to their facility in York. Taken together, these developments suggest that ICE is increasing its operational capacity in Eastern Pennsylvania.
The fact that Lancaster was mentioned is not cause for alarm, but it does call for a new level of attentiveness and preparation by congregations to this information.
Clergy in Minnesota have developed a helpful resource for pastors and congregations preparing for possible ICE activity in their communities. (attached below) They offer this guidance:
“A key message from the Minnesota pastors is not to passively wait for ICE to come to your community before trying to organize. Instead, begin preparations now so that you’re ready, calm, collected, and have the resources you need. Like the wise maidens in Jesus’s parable, have your oil lamps filled and your wicks trimmed (Matt. 25:1–13). In other words, take stock, have a plan, and be ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”
They also remind us:
“You are not called to do everything. But you ARE called to be faithful, prepared, and accountable. Remember: this work is collective—and it is holy.”
Below are several resources that you may find helpful. It is up to you if you use them. I am grateful to Dawn Ranck Hower for making me aware of the resources.
Peace in these troubling times.
Joanne H. Dietzel
ACC Executive Conference Minister
ICE Preparedness Checklist for Congregational Leaders
A practical, faith-grounded checklist for congregations preparing for possible ICE activity in their communities.
Faithful, Prepared, Accountable
A Congregational Blueprint for Community Presence
A guide to transforming good intentions into effective, non-anxious stewardship during times of uncertainty. This deck translates preparedness checklists into a strategic framework for congregational leaders, moving from reactive anxiety toward grounded, faithful action.
ICE Readiness Guide for Sessions & Councils
A concise action-oriented guide for governing bodies to prepare faithfully, safely, and responsibly for possible ICE activity in their community.
This guide equips the Session/Council to act before a crisis—grounded in faith, committed to accompaniment, and attentive to safety, legality, and power.