NJ Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers Condemns ICE Raids, Calls for Resistance Against Mass Deportations
The Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers of NJ condemns ICE raids and launches a 24/7 Emergency Helpline for immigrant support. đ Call 551-255-5500 âEvery life matters,â says Rev. BolĂvar Flores. The Coalition urges solidarity and resistance.
Jersey City, NJ â The Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers of New Jersey held a press conference today at A Better Life Ministry to denounce the recent wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the state, calling them "inhumane" and "destructive to immigrant families." The Coalition, consisting of clergy, immigrant advocates, professionals, and elected officials, urged the community to resist mass deportation efforts and stand in solidarity with vulnerable families.
To assist those impacted by these enforcement actions, the Coalition launched the "Emergency Migrant Rights Helpline," a 24/7 resource providing legal assistance, social services, and spiritual counseling. The hotline is available to individuals and families in need of urgent help.
đ Emergency Migrant Rights Helpline â Available 24/7
đ 551-255-5500
Faith Leaders Call for Justice and Compassion
Reverend BolĂvar Flores, Vice President of the Coalition, stood before the congregation, not to deliver a sermon, but to relay the fear gripping the community following recent ICE raids.
âThis affects me when I hear, âPastor, I don't want to send my children to school,â or when I hear an elderly woman say, âReverend, can you go to the supermarket and bring food for me because I am scared to go outside,ââ said Flores. âIn 2025, in a free country like the United States, people should not have to live in fear.â
He emphasized the Coalitionâs commitment to supporting immigrant families, ensuring that they are not left without resources, legal support, or spiritual guidance.
The raids have deeply impacted immigrant families, leading to children being separated from their parents and primary breadwinners being detained, causing financial and emotional distress.
âThe family comes to usâa lot of children. Their father is in custody, and suddenly, thereâs no money for rent, no food in the house. Thatâs when our Coalition steps in to provide these critical resources,â Flores stated.
A Call to Resist Mass Deportations
Attorney Alexander Avellan called on the community to push back against the aggressive immigration policies, stating:
âObviously, this is a political issue. But for us, we don't see it as such. We see it as a calling from God. This beautiful American dream that we believe in is at its best when we protect those most vulnerable.â
The Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers is urging faith communities, advocacy groups, and local leaders to stand in solidarity against the mass deportation efforts affecting families throughout New Jersey.
Community Leaders: âKnow Your Rights, Stay Organizedâ
Advocacy groups such as Make The Road New Jersey have been working closely with immigrant families to help them stay informed and organized in the face of these aggressive enforcement actions.
âThe fear in our community is real, but I also want to send them a message,â said Iliana Fernandez of Make The Road New Jersey. âWe've got to stay calm. We've got to organize. We've got to know our rights.â
Many undocumented and legal immigrant workers in industries like construction have also expressed concerns about being detained by ICE, even those holding valid green cards.
âThese individuals are giving back to the community,â said business owner Anthony Rosa. âLet them continue to give back. Letâs not target the wrong peopleâthose who are working hard and making positive contributions.â
Helpline Launched to Support Immigrant Families
The Coalitionâs Emergency Migrant Rights Helpline has already received thousands of calls from concerned families across the state.
đ Emergency Migrant Rights Helpline â Available 24/7
đ 551-255-5500
Through this initiative, the Coalition is ensuring that no immigrant faces this crisis alone. The hotline provides:
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Legal assistance from immigration law experts
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Spiritual counseling to offer faith-based support
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Emotional support to help families navigate fear and uncertainty
Religious and Community Leaders Demand Action
At todayâs press conference, clergy members and faith-based organizations united to demand an end to inhumane deportation practices and urge policymakers to uphold the dignity and humanity of all immigrants.
âWe cannot allow injustice to become normalized,â said Reverend Flores. âEvery life matters, every family deserves protection, and every human being has dignity in the eyes of God.â
Religious leaders, advocacy groups, and community members are calling on local, state, and federal officials to take immediate action to ensure that immigrants are treated fairly, with dignity, and in accordance with the law.
The Coalition of Latino Pastors and Ministers of New Jersey is committed to advocating for justice, compassion, and support for immigrant families.
For More Information or Press Inquiries:
đ Rev. BolĂvar Flores
đ§ reverendbolivarflores@gmail.com
đ 201-355-6308