A pastor has spoken about the impact of recent immigration raids and shootings on communities and churches in Minnesota.
Joshua Giles, who leads Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, said the events earlier this year left many people feeling uncertain and anxious.
In an interview with Premier Gospel, Giles said some immigrant members of his congregation were fearful even about leaving their homes.
“It’s been tough for members of my church. I have immigrants in my congregation who didn’t know whether they should leave their homes or could even come. It’s been a real crisis moment for everyone,” he said.
Last month, President Donald Trump agreed to end a highly controversial deportation surge in Minnesota. The announcement followed weeks of mass raids, protests and at least two fatal shootings involving federal agents that sparked outrage and legal challenges.
Under “Operation Metro Surge,” federal authorities deployed thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area to tackle criminal activity, the government said.
The operation drew fierce criticism from state leaders and residents, who said the law enforcement tactics had a significant impact on everyday life in local communities.
Giles said that while many people supported efforts to address crime, the way the raids were carried out caused fear. He said authorities sometimes “interrogated and in some cases terrorised those of us who had nothing to do with the situation.”
Despite the tension, he praised the response from local churches. “Many leaders have come together to show compassion, pray, and help immigrants and locals,” he said.
“Some people support what’s happening, some are against it, and many are somewhere in between. But on the ground in Minneapolis, most people feel it hasn’t been handled well. Even those who want order want it to be done the right way.”
Last week, a Minnesota prosecutor said her office is investigating what she described as the “potentially unlawful behaviour” of federal agents during the crackdown.
Looking ahead, Giles urged Christians not to lose sight of their faith during turbulent times. “Every time there was a crisis in Scripture, God used it to raise voices, reposition people, and draw others to Him,” he said.
“Don’t get distracted by calamity. Look for God in the midst of it. Revival is sparking in many places, and young people are coming to Christ in record numbers.”
