IMMIGRANT ALLYSHIP AND COMMUNITY SAFETY TRAINING

April 25th, 2026

9:00am-3:00pm (check-in begins at 8:30am)

Embrace Church, 1015 N. Limestone St. Lexington, KY 40505

Registration is required. Register here.

Lunch is provided!

In partnership with the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Embrace Church, and Neighbors Immigration Clinic, we invite you to join us for a meaningful day of reflection, learning, and preparation centered on how faith communities are called to respond in this moment.

Together, we will explore the theological framework that grounds our shared commitment to justice and solidarity with immigrants. We are honored to be joined by Rev. Carlos Samuel Reyes Rodríguez, an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and Community Engagement & Operations Manager at the Immigration Law and Justice Network. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Rev. Reyes brings a deep passion for building bridges and advancing what he calls “liberating narratives made flesh,” where faith and justice intersect to free people from oppressive systems. His work and ministry are rooted in walking alongside and centering immigrant communities, whom he describes as embodying “the revolutionary face of Jesus on earth.”

The second half of the day will focus on practical tools and preparedness for congregations and community members. This portion of the training will include:

• An introduction to community safety principles

• Guidance on how to report ICE activity to a local hotline

• Strategies for responding during ICE enforcement in Kentucky, including de-escalation techniques

• Information on how to remind individuals of their rights in enforcement situations

This training is designed for clergy, lay leaders, and anyone connected to a faith community seeking to respond with both compassion and preparedness. Whether you are new to this work or looking to deepen your engagement, we hope you will join us as we learn, reflect, and prepare together.