The Presbytery Responds to Urgent Needs Following ICE Sweeps in Western Kansas Communities

Rev. Christina Berry

Executive Presbyter

Last week, ICE personnel conducted sweeps in towns across Western Kansas, with particularly intense activity in Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal. We have congregations in all three towns. This ICE action has created a ripple of fear and need across these communities. In one Dodge City school, it was reported that more than a hundred children were absent the day after the raids. Additionally, many small businesses have temporarily closed because their workers have either been caught up in the sweep or are afraid to come to work. Families may have lost their primary wage earners, and fear of further ICE action is likely to keep others from going to work or even to school or the grocery store. The Presbytery of Southern Kansas has applied for an emergency grant to assist families in those communities with basic necessities such as food, utility bills, transportation, and child safety. In each of the three communities, congregational leaders will direct us to the agencies that are providing resources to those affected. Our expectation is that we will receive the funds and split them three ways with each community receiving roughly the same amount. The Presbytery Coordinating Team has approved a $2,000 contribution from our funds. The main objective of our project is to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of families in these towns. If you would like to donate to help these communities, you can send funds to the Presbytery marked “Immigrant assistance.” If you prefer to volunteer or give direct aid, please contact me and I can connect you to our trusted community partners.