Faith, Fear, and the Future
As immigration raids and deportations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue across the United States, Hispanic churches are witnessing their impact firsthand. They note that this is making a particularly poignant impact on young people.
Pastor Ruben Aguilar of Sembrando Vida CRC in Vista, Calif., said the current immigration climate has created widespread fear and uncertainty among Hispanic youth, shaping how they experience safety, community, and faith.
Aguilar said this anxiety has even affected church attendance, with some families avoiding travel out of fear while others have been separated through deportation. He added that the fear now extends beyond undocumented immigrants and is also affecting U.S. citizens who worry about racial profiling, family separation, and economic instability as living costs continue to rise.
“We need wisdom in supporting Hispanic youth during this uncertain time,” he said.
Jackie Campos-Sembrando, a youth leader at the church, added, “It’s difficult right now. Many Hispanic youth are children of parents who do not have full legal status here in the U.S. . . . Many of the young people have lost their parents and are going through financial difficulties because their parents were their main economic support.”
She noted that many of these young people have their own documents in order and are legally allowed to remain in the U.S., but they are deeply affected by their parents’ situation.
“Their biggest concern when going to church is the fear of arriving and being stopped,” she explained. “Many are afraid of putting themselves at risk.”
Grace Becerra, a Calvin University student from Houston, Tex. agreed. "Hispanic youth carry a heavy emotional burden, but they also carry great resilience," she said. "Many live with the fear that a family member could be deported; others face discrimination or economic barriers, and many do not know if they will be able to finish their studies. Obviously, this creates a lot of anxiety for young people, discouragement, and sometimes even disconnection from their churches because they do not know what to do, which direction to go, or what decisions to make. They live with the fear that something bad might happen."
Samantha Sebastia, from Carismah Church in Katy, Tex., added that this fear and uncertainty has made young people cautious and withdrawn. “Some young people are very worried and afraid. They do not know what will happen, or whether something bad might happen when they go out to run errands or buy groceries.”
“I know people who have not been able to leave their homes because they see ICE officers passing nearby," she added. "They become frightened, and they live in fear, paralyzed. I see this panic in young people not only for themselves but also for their parents and relatives.”
She added that this fear, while understandable, is not necessarily helpful. “My grandfather used to say that fear is like a rocking chair; it moves you, but it does not take you anywhere,” she said.
Becerra explained it this way, "As an immigrant, I cannot say that I have no fear, but as a daughter of God I have the certainty that my family and I are covered by the blood of Christ. Every day I remind myself of this because it is easy to forget, especially when you see what is happening around you."
Instead, these leaders said, the church has a role to play in combating today’s fears and offering hope to these young people.
“I recommend that churches and pastors be agents of love and faith,” said Sebastia. “The Bible tells us that love casts out all fear, and right now what we have is fear because of the situations people are experiencing. We need a church united in love with the Latino community, regardless of whether someone stands on one political side or another.”
She added that violence should not be supported, and that the church ought to cast a vision of faith and hope.
“The situation is intense and difficult, but we must remind young people that God is the one who reigns, the one who moves the pieces and opens the way,” she said. “Our God is greater than any situation. As Christians, we must seek first the things of the kingdom. God is exceptional at opening paths for his children, covering them, and protecting them. I ask congregations to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.”
Aguilar agreed. He said that congregations should remain focused on supporting families and guiding young people through prayer, encouragement, and mentorship.
Becerra explained that "in this time young people need to be seen, heard, and accompanied more than ever. They need not only biblical teaching but also safe spaces where they can speak without fear and feel supported—deeply supported. Sometimes even the smallest gestures can make young people feel seen and cared for, especially in the church."
And Campos-Sembrando added that churches can also support young people by keeping them active. “Many young people are now looking for something quick that gives them something to do and a way to be out of the house,” she said, noting that some of these opportunities could be focused on discipleship and faith formation. “We are young; there is always a lack of wisdom. Discipleship classes help a lot. Young people want to grow in wisdom.”
Prayer is also a key action step that people can take. Becerra said, "Here at Calvin University we have a group where we constantly pray for one another, share burdens, and support each other in practical ways. We try to remind each other of our identity in Christ because in the midst of so much insecurity we need a firm truth that does not change. As Hispanics, this has helped us because it has forced us to stay united more than ever and trust one another, since we are all going through the same thing and no one else truly understands it except us."
Sebastia added, "My church is completely Hispanic. Every Sunday we pray together, especially when there are interviews or legal situations. Our main focus of prayer has been legality, that everything would proceed without violence, that there would be peace, and that God would guide our leaders to allow us a better future."
And Campos-Sembrando suggested that CRC people everywhere can also pray for revival. “Revival is often found in difficult moments,” she said. This time of challenge for Hispanic Christians across the United States may be an opportunity for spiritual revival in the church and could spark “a new desire to be passionate for God,” she said.
