MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis church opened its doors for a special Sunday service — called a service of ‘Lament and Hope’ — in recognition of the tumultuous week in a city on edge after the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration officer.

“Thank you for being here this morning. Gathering is such a critical, critical thing to do, especially in these times. It’s been a difficult week,” the Rev. Hierald Osorto, pastor at St. Paul’s-San Pablo Lutheran Church, told a crowd seated on wooden benches.

The service comes as Minneapolis has the spotlight as the latest flashpoint in President Trump’s immigration crackdown. The Department of Homeland Security has sent roughly 2,000 agents and officers to the region in a show of force, sparking fear in the city’s immigrant communities and strong opposition among activists who are pushing back against enforcement.

Candles lit and hymns sung as the crackdown continues

In many ways it was a typical Sunday service. Candles were lit, hymns sung, and communion offered.

But outside, immigration enforcement officers were actively driving through the neighborhood, detaining people while activists blasted away on whistles and beat drums, hoping to stop them.

Inside St. Paul’s, worshippers lit candles and greeted each other with smiles and hugs. A statute of Our Lady of Guadalupe stood at the front of the church.

Church security stood guard by the doors and controlled who came in. Church volunteers handed out pamphlets that included information on the service, the songs to be sung, and the prayers that would be offered. On the front was a drawing of a woman holding a sack with the words, “Justice is for Everyone: Immigrant Rights Now!”

The church, located in a neighborhood that has seen heavy immigration enforcement activities since Homeland Security targeted the city, has long been part of the community. Osorto says it began with a predominantly Swedish congregation with services held in Swedish but now services are a mixture of Spanish and English.

A prayer is said for the woman who was shot

During the service Sunday, Osorto said a prayer for Good. He noticed a slight dip in attendance but was pleased with the turnout. “I think that it’s important for folks to realize that what’s happened here in the Twin Cities has changed us for the rest of our lives,” he said after the service.

Anna Amundson, a member of the congregation, highlighted the fear gripping the community, saying many are afraid to go grocery shopping, expressing gratitude that so many still came to church.

Lizete, an immigrant fearful of enforcement, attended the service for support, stating, “Here I have my people, who are close to me, and I feel their really, really support.”

Another congregant shared strength from the hymns sung during the service. Her resolve was bolstered by the message that “nothing can trouble, nothing can frighten” those who seek God.

The church serves as a hub for community activities, including a singing vigil later Sunday to counter the enforcement operations.

Jose Luis Villasenor reminded those gathered at the service of their bravery and resilience, urging the community to remain strong together in these challenging times.