No ministry at the border has adapted more nimbly to shifting policies than Pastor Carlos Navarro and Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville (IBWB). Over the past six years, their migrant ministry has continually reshaped itself in response to changing immigration policies and practical needs—anchored by a steady, gospel-centered commitment to those on the margins.

Last Friday, April 4, Fellowship Southwest and over two dozen other plaintiffs were represented by the Institute for Constitutional and Advocacy Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law at the lawsuit’s first hearing in federal district court in Washington, D.C. Anyra Cano attended the hearing and the previous night’s interfaith prayer vigil on behalf of Fellowship Southwest.

The Fellowship Southwest Board of Directors met for their semi-annual meeting March 31 and April 1 in Houston, Texas. The chair of the board, Bishop John Ogletree, hosted the group at First Metropolitan Church where he was founding pastor 39 years ago.

Fellowship Southwest remains alarmed and disturbed by the numerous anti-immigrant actions by the new administration. A summary of some of the major actions compiled by Elket Rodriguez can be found here. 

Last weekend, a family from Nicaragua, let us know how desperate they felt when they learned the current administration was canceling humanitarian parole for immigrants from Nicaragua, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti.

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, I visited Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the CBF Oklahoma Spring Gathering and had the opportunity to introduce the Thriving Congregations Immigration Ministry program to the attendees. In an effort to invite more churches to join TCIM, I will be visiting some events in the next few months. 

Earlier this week, Fellowship Southwest signed joined a letter to US House and Senate leadership expressing our concerns over the recent attack on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). FSW was joined by several national organizations including the National Association of Evangelicals, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, among others. You can see a copy of the letter here.

In May, 2024, 12 passionate souls from Royal Lane Baptist Church traveled to the border to “serve…in love.” Accompanied by Senior Pastor Victoria Robb Powers, we were determined to spread that love and hope, but we received so much in return.

When my colleague, Elket Rodriguez, shared the news that the CBP One application, which migrants use to schedule appointments at the U.S. ports of entry, had been canceled, my heart was overwhelmed with concern for the migrants who would be affected. I immediately reached out to some of our partners along the border, and one by one, they shared heartbreaking updates.

I know you want to check on these migrants, too, so come along with me from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico…

As you may be aware, President Trump has taken immediate and sweeping action to overhaul U.S. immigration policy following his inauguration Monday.

I’ve put together a concise overview of the significant shifts in immigration policy under the new administration.

It’s an odd coincidence but not unprecedented. The inauguration of a new president and the MLK holiday have been the same day before. The last time was 1997 for President Clinton’s second inauguration.

The Darien Gap has become a symbol for the magnitude and complexity of the global migration crisis. The 10,000 square miles of rainforest connecting Central and South America is a natural labyrinth where migrants face the immensity of nature and the constant danger of getting lost. Steep mountains, vast swamps, rushing rivers, wild and deadly wildlife, extreme weather and disease are the order of the day on this stretch that has become one of the most dangerous migratory routes in the world.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Last week, I was tasked with writing an article for my local paper that would help people take a “deep breath” from initial reactions after the election. And honestly, I think Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to brush up our skills that keep us out of the pits of despair. In this column, I tried to offer my perspective on a common theological quip (God is in control) that, when reframed, is able to help us through dark times.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the “Leading the Way Conference,” hosted by the National Immigration Forum (NIF). This event brought together law enforcement, faith leaders, and business executives to discuss the profound impact of immigration across various sectors. Speakers included economists, business leaders, sheriffs, police, border security officers, and faith leaders.

Fellowship Southwest does not and will not endorse or oppose any political candidate for office. However, elections have consequences, and we must now face the reality that the winner of the presidential election built his campaign on the backs of those whom we love and serve. More than that, President-elect Trump has made racists, xenophobic, and hateful lies about immigrants the very cornerstone of his political career. The prospect of his administration fills us with dread.

Puede ser que no necesitemos recordarte que hoy es el día de las elecciones, y como organización comprometida con la justicia social, reconocemos que las elecciones tienen un impacto social.

Lo más probable es que ya hayas votado, pero si no lo has hecho, permítenos animarte y mostrar el amor a tu prójimo por medio de tu voto. En lugar de preguntar como las políticas nos benefician personalmente o cómo nuestros puntos de vista particulares podrían ser avanzados, tal vez deberíamos considerar ¿si aquellos a quienes elegiremos promoverán políticas que alimenten a los hambrientos, vistan a los desnudos, curen a los enfermos, reciban al forastero, consuelen al prisionero o cuiden a la viuda o al huérfano?

We don’t need to remind you that today is election day, but as an organization committed to perusing justice, we know elections have consequences.

Most likely you have already voted, but if not, let us urge you to love your neighbor with your vote. Rather than wondering how policies might personally benefit ourselves, or how our particular viewpoints might be advanced, perhaps we should consider if those we elect will promote policies that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, welcome the stranger, comfort the prisoner or care for the widow or orphan.

President Biden visited Gila Crossing Community School in Laveen Village, Arizona, on October 25 to make a formal acknowledgement and apology for the Federal Indian Boarding Schools. As “one of the most horrific chapters in American history,” the boarding school system was a government and Christian church collaboration to take on the “Indian problem,” called the Civilization Fund Act. 

Fellowship Southwest just returned from a vision trip to the Rio Grande Valley, introducing church leaders to our border ministry partners in Brownsville, Reynosa and the colonias. We were joined by ministers and lay leaders from the Austin-Waco area including Restore Austin, Vox Veniae and UBC Waco.