Community Unites in Minneapolis Church Service Amid Immigration Tensions

Mon Jan 12 2026 04:49:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In response to increasing fears within immigrant communities following a fatal shooting by an immigration officer, a Minneapolis church holds a service of 'Lament and Hope.'

St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church in Minneapolis held a 'Lament and Hope' service to support and uplift an immigrant congregation amidst fears triggered by a fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer. The church, which is actively involved in local immigrant rights issues, became a sanctuary for many seeking solace and community support during this tumultuous time. Participants, including the pastor and congregation members, expressed the need for solidarity and strength in the face of heightened immigration enforcement.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis church opened its doors for a special Sunday service — called a service of ‘Lament and Hope’ — in recognition of the tumultuous week in a city on edge after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer.

“Thank you for being here this morning. Gathering is such a critical, critical thing to do, especially in these times. It’s been a difficult week,” the Rev. Hierald Osorto, pastor at St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church, told a crowd seated on wooden benches.

The service comes as Minneapolis has the spotlight as the latest flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The Department of Homeland Security has sent roughly 2,000 agents and officers to the region in a show of force, sparking fear in the city’s immigrant communities and strong opposition among activists who are pushing back loudly against enforcement.

Candles lit and hymns sung as the crackdown continues

In many ways it was a typical Sunday service. Candles were lit, hymns sung, and communion offered.

But outside, immigration enforcement officers were actively driving through in the neighborhood, detaining people while activists blasted away on whistles and beat drums, hoping to stop them.

Church security stood guard by the doors and controlled who came in.

Inside St. Paul’s, worshippers lit candles and greeted each other with smiles and hugs. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe stood at the front of the church.

Church volunteers handed out pamphlets that included information on the service, the songs to be sung and the prayers that would be offered. On the front was a drawing of a woman holding a sack with the words, “Justice is for Everyone: Immigrant Rights Now!”

The church has long been part of the community. Osorto says it began with a predominantly Swedish congregation with services held in Swedish. As times changed, the services shifted to Swedish and English, then just English. Nowadays, it’s a mixture of Spanish and English with Osorto seamlessly switching between the two languages.

A prayer is said for the woman who was shot

During the service Sunday, Osorto said a prayer for the woman who was shot, Renee Good. He noted a slight dip in attendance Sunday but was pleased with the turnout, considering all the congregation is going through.

“I think that it’s important for folks to realize that what’s happened here in the Twin Cities has changed us for the rest of our lives,” he said after the service.

Many in the community are expressing feelings of fear and uncertainty. Anna Amundson, a member of the congregation, stated, “People in our congregation are scared.”

One attendee, Lizete, shared her apprehension about immigration enforcement but found solace in the church community. “Here I have my people, who is close to me, and I feel their really, really support,” she said.

‘Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten’

Reflecting on one of the hymns sung during the service — “Nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten. Those who seek God shall never go wanting” — Lizete mentioned how such words offered her strength.

The church also serves as a hub for other groups wanting to hold events, and later that day, individuals gathered for a singing vigil to oppose the immigration enforcement operating in their community. Others created paper flowers for use in protests.

Jose Luis Villasenor, who spoke during the service, urged attendees to remember their bravery. “I want us to, through the reading we had today, to remember that we can get through this together, not alone, because we’re very brave and resilient,” he said.