Tensions are high.
At the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, President Donald Trump called for unity and healing, a message that resonated with many, though it didn’t directly address some of the more controversial actions his administration has taken, such as cracking down on immigration and curbing foreign aid distribution.
Despite his strong backing from evangelical voters, some faith leaders have expressed concerns about these policies. One such leader, Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, voiced his concerns during the breakfast. Salguero has spent years working on international missions, and he argued that the halt on foreign aid, alongside cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is putting vulnerable populations at risk. He noted that such aid not only helps with life-saving efforts abroad but also reduces the pressure of migration to the U.S. “If we care about immigration, we should also care about foreign aid that keeps people in their home countries and helps them thrive,” Salguero stated.
While Salguero doesn’t endorse any candidate, he expressed worry about the impact the administration’s immigration policies have on immigrant communities, particularly in faith settings. He highlighted that policies rescinding protections for immigrants in sensitive places like schools and churches have led to increased fear within Latino communities.
Similarly, Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, expressed concerns that the administration’s immigration enforcement might overreach, potentially infringing on religious freedoms by exposing churches to immigration raids. Kim acknowledged that while it’s important to address criminal activity, the fear among immigrant communities goes beyond the small fraction of undocumented criminals.
However, other evangelical leaders, like Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, remain supportive of Trump’s immigration agenda. Rodríguez, who serves as president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, sees Trump’s tough stance on immigration as part of the broader effort to reform the system. He recognizes that some collateral damage may occur, but emphasizes that deporting individuals engaged in criminal activity is a priority.
Both Rodríguez and Salguero agree that securing the border and ensuring national security should remain top priorities. However, Salguero argues that halting foreign aid undermines efforts to address root causes of migration, and Kim emphasizes that the distribution of aid must be handled effectively.
While evangelical leaders may not always agree on the specifics, there is broad consensus on supporting efforts to combat illegal immigration and safeguard the country’s security, while also ensuring that U.S. foreign aid continues to serve vulnerable populations effectively.
Trump’s policies on immigration may remain divisive, but many evangelical leaders agree that ensuring safety, security, and compassion for those in need must go hand in hand.