BJC Issues Statement on Immigration Enforcement and ICE Protests

January 27, 2026 Staff Report

A line of interfaith leaders protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport last week. (Courtesy of Rabbi Aaron Weininger, provided by JTA)

In the wake of two protesters shot and killed recently by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the Baltimore Jewish Council released the following statement on immigration enforcement and the recent tragic events and unrest in Minneapolis:

“More than 20 years ago, the Baltimore Jewish Council adopted a comprehensive policy position on immigration that included this declaration:

“We reject mass deportations for [undocumented] immigrants who have resided in the United States for an extended period of time. The forcible expulsion of millions of men, women and children would cause incalculable bitterness and division within this nation and would be utterly devastating to the image of America abroad as a champion of human rights.”

“Our long-standing policy is rooted in the history of the Jewish people. As we noted in adopting that 2004 policy position:

“Migration has been a central element of the Jewish experience since biblical times when famine forced the Jewish people to flee Canaan and resettle in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33 commands, ‘When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him.’ This experience has been mirrored in American-Jewish life with the emigration of Jews to the United States in search of religious freedom and economic opportunity. As a reflection of our history, and based upon the biblical imperative to welcome the stranger, the American Jewish Community has long advocated for fair and just immigration and refugee policies.”

“With this history in mind, the Baltimore Jewish Council joins with many of our nation’s Jewish organizations, rabbis, and faith partners in expressing our outrage about what we are seeing in communities across the country.

“It is both shocking and heartbreaking to see the violence with which the Department of Homeland Security is enforcing American immigration law, as well as the intimidation, harassment, and even killing of nonviolent protesters by federal law enforcement officers. It must end.

“Judaism believes that a society that is fair, just, and equitable for all is vital. It is therefore incumbent upon our federal government to quickly and effectively address violations and violators in a manner that preserves public trust, prevents escalation and loss of life, and achieves justice and equity for all. Efforts must be made to increase transparency and accountability — values that build community trust, improve confidence, and ultimately heal wounds. The Baltimore Jewish Council is committed to fighting for the right of all people to live without fear of government or law enforcement so that trust is restored in the institutions we rely on for our safety.

“The right to protest and speak freely are fundamental American rights, protected by the U.S. Constitution. We call on federal authorities to stop responding to nonviolent protests and civil disobedience with violence. Public safety and civil liberties are critical goals of our nation. We must pursue both in a manner consistent with the rule of law and our basic human values.

“We remain dedicated to the idea that our nation needs immigration reform – for the immigrants and refugees who are already here, and for those who wish to make a better life in America. We also support a strong border, managed through the proper and fair application of our laws.

“The conclusion of our long-standing policy position remains just as relevant today as when we adopted it over 20 years ago:

“We call on federal and state lawmakers, the Jewish Community and all Americans concerned about the country’s future to recommit to the complex process of developing a comprehensive proposal to reform United States immigration laws that will ensure that our immigration system is secure, more humane, and free from stereotyping and xenophobia.”