A Welcome Conversation with Elizabeth Neumann and Jennie Murray
Immigration enforcement can feel confusing, intimidating, and deeply personal, all at the same time. Headlines often blur together federal agencies, local police, and policies with unfamiliar names, leaving many of us unsure what’s actually happening in our own communities. And when fear and misinformation rush in, clarity matters more than ever.
That’s why we’re inviting you into this important live conversation.
In the video below, Women of Welcome hosts a timely and thoughtful discussion on local immigration enforcement, what it is, what it isn’t, and why it matters for our neighbors, our communities, and our witness as Christians. This conversation is rooted in truth, guided by expertise, and shaped by a commitment to both the rule of law and Christ-like welcome.
Meet the Voices Guiding the Conversation
We’re honored to be joined by two trusted leaders who bring deep experience and steady wisdom to this complex topic.
Elizabeth Neumann is a national security expert and violence prevention advocate who has served across three presidential administrations—under President George W. Bush, President Obama, and the first Trump administration. She has advised White House leaders on national security and understands firsthand how enforcement agencies operate, how they are trained, and how those systems have changed over time.
Jennie Murray is the President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, one of the founding partners of Women of Welcome. Based in Washington, D.C., the Forum works toward immigration policies that uphold both the rule of law and our long-standing tradition of American welcome. Jennie brings decades of policy expertise and a clear-eyed understanding of how federal and local systems interact on the ground.
Together, Elizabeth and Jennie help us move beyond soundbites and into substance.
What This Conversation Covers
In this live discussion, we walk through some of the most common questions we hear from our community—especially when it comes to local enforcement and the role of different agencies.
We begin by clearly explaining the different enforcement bodies involved in immigration: ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol, and local law enforcement. She unpacks what each agency is responsible for, where their authority begins and ends, and why confusion between these roles can lead to unnecessary fear.
We then explore how local police and federal immigration agents interact, including a look at the 287(g) program, which allows certain local law enforcement agencies to partner with federal immigration authorities. She helps listeners understand what these agreements do—and don’t—require, and why they can be controversial.
The conversation also addresses the current strain between agencies, sometimes described as “blue on blue,” when law enforcement entities find themselves under competing pressures, unclear directives, or political scrutiny. Elizabeth shares how these tensions affect agents on the ground and why training and leadership matter so much in moments like these.
Speaking of training, Elizabeth walks us through what ICE agents are typically trained to do, how that training has evolved, and what changes in enforcement priorities can mean in practice. She also offers practical guidance on how everyday people should respond to ICE agents, what authority agents do and do not have, and why knowing your rights helps lower fear for everyone involved.
Jennie tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in immigration conversations: “sanctuary cities.” She explains what the term actually means, what it doesn’t mean, and how enforcement is generally handled between local and federal agencies in these jurisdictions. She also addresses claims that sanctuary cities are “soft on crime” and brings data and context to a debate often fueled by rhetoric.
Finally, we turn toward action and prayer. We reflect on what local authorities need from citizens in this season, including trust, accurate information, and civic engagement, and how people of faith can support them without compromising compassion. We end the conversation with a prayer led by Bri, grounding all of it in our dependence on God.
Why This Matters
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be people of truth, courage, and love—especially when the issues are hard and the stakes are high. Immigration enforcement sits at the intersection of safety, law, and human dignity. We don’t have to choose between them.
Our hope is that this conversation equips you with clarity, steadies your heart with truth, and invites you into prayerful, faithful engagement right where you are.
Watch the full conversation below, and join us as we continue learning how to live out Christ-like welcome in complicated times.
