In what’s become a national news story, a 5-year-old in Texas just spent his first day of school in an ICE detention center. Days will turn into weeks and add to his trauma, which can be transmitted in our genes over several generations.

ICE agents kidnapped Liam Tadeo on his way to a soccer game with his father. Enforcement violence is experienced differently among various communities, but the fact that 5 year olds of European descent are not being disappeared reminds us that majority non-white populations are the target. The racism, silence, and moral injury around Liam and others like him is formative.

What scriptures come to mind as you engage the issues of racial profiling? “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good,” (Ro.12:9) wakes me in the night and stays with me.

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash.com

In the Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Episcopal Area, we have faithful Hispanic/Latine United Methodist churches and new faith communities that continue to respond faithfully to God’s call, despite persecution, fear, and uncertainty. They exemplify resilience and prophetic leadership, refusing to let fear or uncertainty stop them from doing what God has called them to do. They continue to witness to the Gospel, serve their communities, and build hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.

We pray for that continued reliance, leadership and safety and pray that during National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we take time to pause to celebrate all that our Hispanic/Latine church communities bring to the United Methodist Church in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin, and beyond.

Yet as we begin National Hispanic Heritage month on Sept. 15, it remains deeply disquieting that Liam and others like him are detained hundreds of miles from their school and home.

Why was Liam disappeared?

According to Building Beloved Community: The Courage to Love in the Face of Tyranny, released by The United Methodist Council of Bishops in 2025 (page 86) “authoritarian movements identify particular racial or ethnic groups as threats to national security, cultural purity, or economic prosperity, then use this identification to justify exclusion, persecution, or worse.”

According to national news reports, Liam cried while holding his handcuffed father, and his father begged for the boy to be released to his mother, but they were both detained. Liam’s arrest is not law enforcement; it appears to be persecution based on race or heritage.

 “Racism is not merely a social or political problem but a theological crisis that strikes at the heart of Christian faith,” continues Building Beloved Community. (Page 87)

Thousands of immigrants who entered the United States illegally and who are not guilty of a crime are being disappeared. According to tracreports.org, those with legal status are being stripped of that status and 70.6% of individuals in ICE detention centers have not been convicted of any crime

As we acknowledge the differences of opinion among us, let us be clear that racism is incompatible with Christian teaching. I encourage faith leaders to:

• Pray in worship for us to address racism personally and systemically.
• Pray for our immigrant communities, especially the Hispanic/Latine community under stress.
• Increase the love of neighbor. Build relationships across differences. Use credible media sources.
• Identify what your immigrant neighbor needs by way of support. Encourage.

What else can we do? Northern Illinois is one of 15 sites across the United States affiliated with the Immigration Law & Justice Network (formerly JFON). Learn more on their Facebook page. Contribute to the Immigration Law & Justice Network to provide sound legal support for immigrants in need.

As Northern Illinois has done, the Wisconsin Conference should consider affiliating with the Immigration Law & Justice Network.

Northern Illinois has a Conference-wide Hispanic/Latine Ministry Celebration planned on Oct. 17. Learn more here.

Let love be genuine. Thank you.

Is your church looking for idea to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? The United Methodist Church has shared some resources. Check out Five Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.