01/19/2025
A Faith-Based Critique of the Laken Riley Act: Standing Against Injustice,Bishop Dr.Raymond Rivera
On January 5, the House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act, now awaiting Senate approval. If enacted—or implemented through executive orders as early as January 20—it would radically shift immigration enforcement in troubling ways. This legislation threatens to detain undocumented individuals based solely on accusations, denies due process, and disproportionately impacts Latino and other communities of color. The act reflects the incoming administration’s commitment to mass deportations, focusing not on violent crimes but on minor offenses—a profound departure from prior policies.
At its core, the Laken Riley Act introduces three major provisions
1. Mandatory Detention for Minor Offenses: The act requires the detention of undocumented individuals charged with or even admitting to theft-related offenses such as shoplifting, regardless of conviction. This means individuals can be detained indefinitely without trial or proof of guilt.
2. State Lawsuits Against Federal Agencies: The act allows states to sue federal immigration agencies if they believe enforcement is too lax or causes harm, including financial harm. This provision risks creating a fragmented and punitive system of enforcement.
3. Visa Sanctions on Non-Compliant Countries: Countries that refuse to accept deported individuals could face visa restrictions, impacting families and their ability to reunite or travel.
These measures expose systemic inequities and create profound contradictions. For instance, the same administration pursuing such harsh policies has appointed individuals with felony convictions or serious accusations to significant positions of power. Meanwhile, it disproportionately punishes immigrants accused of minor infractions, highlighting an unjust double standard.
As faith leaders, we must echo Saint Augustine’s truth: “An unjust law is no law at all.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. affirmed this principle, reminding us that we have a moral responsibility to resist laws that conflict with God’s justice. The Apostle Peter declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29). These teachings call us to challenge a law that undermines human dignity and targets the vulnerable.
The Impact on Vulnerable Communities
1. Detention Without Conviction: Under this law, mere accusation would be enough for detention, leading to long-term captivity in overcrowded detention centers. Families would be torn apart while individuals face indefinite detention without trial.
2. Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color: Latino and marginalized communities, already overrepresented in accusations and arrests, would face the greatest harm due to systemic inequities and limited access to legal resources.
3. Shift from Violent Crimes to Minor Offenses: This law marks a dangerous pivot, targeting minor infractions for detention while ignoring public safety priorities, such as violent crimes.
The scriptures are clear: “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Exodus 22:21). Jesus reminds us, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
A Call to Action for Faith Leaders
While these measures have not yet been implemented, the incoming administration has articulated its intent to pursue them through legislation or executive orders. We must prepare to defend the most vulnerable among us.
1. Educate Your Congregations: Inform parishioners about the harm caused by detention without conviction and the shift in focus to minor offenses. Host workshops to prepare families and teach them their rights.
2. Advocate for Justice: Encourage congregants to contact their senators and oppose this law. Unite with other faith leaders to amplify our collective voice.
3. Provide Sanctuary and Support: Be ready to offer refuge, legal aid, and resources to families affected by detention or deportation.
Conclusion
Jesus Himself was a refugee, fleeing violence as a child. How can we, as His followers, ignore those facing similar struggles today? This law’s focus on accusation rather than conviction, its attack on vulnerable communities, and its contradictions with the actions of the powerful are moral failings we cannot overlook.
Let us rise as a faith-based coalition, inspired by conviction, united in purpose, and driven by the command to love our neighbor. Together, we can stand against injustice, trusting that God, who watches over the stranger, will sustain us in this holy work.
Bishops Talks is a program by Rev. Dr. Raymond Rivera Live on Facebook and YouTube Channel.
