FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 30, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — On Thursday, January 29th, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) hosted, “What Chicago and Minneapolis Taught Us,” a virtual emergency briefing for members of the clergy featuring elected leaders, advocates, and experts with a record of standing against lawless immigration enforcement and the strategic experience to overcome it. As the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security readies agents of ICE and CBP to enter New York City and other sanctuary cities nationwide, Congresswoman Clarke convened her emergency briefing to ensure the churches of Brooklyn have the resources and support they need to protect their congregations from the looming threat ahead.

On the call, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02) shared her firsthand account of the occupation of Chicago by immigration agents and an update on her effort to impeach Secretary Kristi Noem. Her fellow speakers provided legal advice for immigrant Americans if they are accosted by agents of the Trump Administration, instruction on what clergy should do to proactively prepare for the possibility of immigration officers coming to their church, and guidance on how they should proceed reactively once and if their congregation becomes a target. The call was well attended and well received by local clergy.

“I thank my colleague and friend, the great Congresswoman Kelly of Illinois, as well as each of our distinguished speakers for sharing their time and expertise in this moment of great pain throughout these United States. Day after day, the people of this nation have been forced to witness a never-ending stream of kidnappings, torture, and indeed, even murder – all sponsored by the state, all committed with immunity not granted by the law, but by lawlessness. When even houses of worship are not shielded from ICE and CBP’s reign of terror, it is clear there is no limit this president will not go to fulfill his xenophobic ambitions. Indeed, the open inhumanity demonstrated by agents of the Trump Administration is stunning. But it must not be paralyzing. While time still remains before New York City falls into the clutches of Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant hysteria, we must act. There is no length I will not go to ensure Brooklyn’s clergy and their congregations are equipped for what is to come, ” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“Secretary Kristi Noem has unleashed her rogue agency across the country–but community and faith leaders are rising up against her in defense of our immigrant neighbors and basic human rights. Faith calls on us to love and care for our neighbors, to stand against bullies and for justice. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Yvette for preparing New Yorkers for ICE’s rampage, and for her support of my impeachment articles against Secretary Noem. Her reign of terror must end,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

View speaker presentations here.

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