Assemblies of God Pastors Describe ICE Detention Ordeal and Threats of Family Separation

Pastors Nepthali Zozaya Saucedo and Cinthia Sarai Cardona Otero of Comunidad Cristiana Emanuel, an Assemblies of God church in Edinburg, Texas, shared their experience of being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a recent retreat with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The couple, who have served their congregation for over a decade, were released two days after their detention, describing the ordeal as deeply distressing.

During a Sunday worship service, Zozaya spoke of the emotional toll of being separated from their three children and the threats made by immigration agents. He recounted how agents allegedly pressured the couple to sign voluntary departure papers, promising family separation if they refused. The pastors emphasized their commitment to interceding for all who suffer injustice, a core teaching within the Assemblies of God denomination.

The couple’s release was accompanied by a show of support from a diverse coalition, including the Latino Christian National Network and several national Latino evangelical advocacy groups. This collaboration was notable, as these organizations typically operate independently. The pastors also called for a more just immigration policy, reflecting the denomination’s broader engagement with social justice issues.

Sandy Ovalle, a board member with the Latino Christian National Network, highlighted the collective effort to secure the couple’s release. The support included advocacy from both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, underscoring the bipartisan nature of the campaign. The event also drew attention to the Assemblies of God’s internal dynamics, as nearly 9 in 10 members of the denomination voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, including Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, who is a member of the same church.

The incident has sparked discussions within the Assemblies of God about the intersection of faith and public policy. Pastors present at the service prayed for divine intervention and urged the faithful to work toward systemic change. Their experience highlights the challenges faced by religious leaders who navigate complex legal and political landscapes while remaining committed to their pastoral duties.

The couple’s ordeal underscores the broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and its impact on religious communities. Assemblies of God leaders have long emphasized compassion and justice, values that were evident in their public statements and prayers. Their story serves as a reminder of the human cost of policy decisions and the role of faith communities in advocating for the marginalized.

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