Immigration raids will begin in Chicago; it is unbiblical

International terminal at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport. Photo: Gerald Farinas.

According to The New York Times on Friday, the Trump Administration will begin anti-immigrant raids on the day after Inauguration Day targeting Chicago specifically.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/17/us/politics/trump-immigration-raids-chicago.html

Operation Safeguard will use about 150 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The message is clear from the new Trump Administration: we’re going to do this in Democratic-leaning cities with Democratic-leaning leadership to deal three blows: (1) against immigrants, (2) revenge against Democratic policies, (3) cripple their economies knowing that much of lower-tier labor in any city is done by migrant laborers.

What is remarkable for supporters of this policy is that they are people who identify as Christians—devoted to Biblical inerrancy.

As Presbyterians, we also believe in Biblical guidance but we read the Bible not in the lens of an adversary but rather in the lens of Christ. Our Lord emphasized compassion and justice—which is counter to the harsh policies against migrants.

I use the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition in the passages cited.

Exodus 22:21

“You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.”

The Bible directly commands us today, as it did to the Jewish people, to practice fair treatment of immigrants, reminding Israel of their own experience as outsiders in Egypt.

Leviticus 19:33–34

“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

The Bible explicitly calls for equality and love for immigrants, reflecting God’s justice and mercy.

Deuteronomy 27:19

“Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.”

Denying justice to immigrants is condemned by the Bible explocitly, and those who do so are described as cursed.

Isaiah 10:1–2

“Ah, you who make iniquitous decrees, who write oppressive statutes, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, so that widows may be your spoil, and orphans your prey!”

The Bible chastises leaders who create oppressive laws that harm the marginalized, including immigrants, aligning with a call for just and compassionate governance.

Matthew 25:35–40

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. … Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Christ explicitly highlights care for strangers and the imprisoned as core aspects of righteousness, aligning with compassion toward immigrants.

Hebrews 13:2

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Hospitality to strangers, including immigrants, is a divine responsibility.

Zechariah 7:9–10

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor, and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.”

The Bible explicitly prohibits oppression of immigrants and others who are vulnerable.