Dem
47
GOP
53
Generally, presidents—especially Republican presidents—don't pick fights with religious leaders because many of their supporters are religious. Donald Trump doesn't seem to care. In fact, yesterday he did something else on that front that is surely going to bother many of his supporters shortly. He authorized ICE to go into churches to round up undocumented immigrants. Historically, churches could offer sanctuary to people; that is over now. The first time ICE agents raid a church, there will be a lot of blowback. Trump also authorized raids on schools. The first time children are arrested while sitting in class, and then deported, is also going to be explosive. Trump presumably knows this and doesn't care. In the Biden administration, ICE was instructed not to raid churches, schools, and other sensitive locations.
Some school districts are pushing back against Trump. Diana Diaz, a spokeswoman for the Fresno Unified School District, said: "Our policy is clear and strong that immigration enforcement is not allowed on our campuses unless forced through a valid court order." The Chicago Board of Education passed a resolution in November stating that ICE agents would not be allowed in schools without a criminal warrant.
Of course, if ICE shows up anyway, will the local police interfere? That's when the rubber hits the road. It could get very messy and possibly violent, especially if local authorities try to block federal ones. Also, while churches are not likely to physically resist ICE agents, they will certainly publicize raids and some churchgoers who voted for Trump may start to regret their votes. (V)