Would Jesus deport illegal immigrants?
With the national conversation focused on immigration, Americans are being forced to choose between compassion and security. But this is a false dichotomy.
As Christians, we must reject the misleading framework that pits Christian love against national identity. Biblically speaking, this is not an either-or scenario. What if Scripture affirms both national sovereignty and moral responsibility? When President Trump enforced immigration laws, critics labeled his actions “unchristian.” But in reality, Trump was fulfilling the role God ordained for civil leaders.
The Bible affirms the existence of nations, borders, and the rule of law. Genesis 18 tells us that God intended for Abraham’s descendants to become a great nation. Deuteronomy 32:8 states that God “apportioned the nations” and “fixed the boundaries of the peoples.” Even the story of Babel in Genesis 11 demonstrates that God divided humanity into nations, preventing unchecked global unity under a singular power. Nations — and by extension, borders — are part of God’s divine order.
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The Old Testament repeatedly refers to Israel as a nation with its own laws, culture, and religious identity. God Himself established legal and moral guidelines for the Israelites to govern their land. Immigration was regulated. Foreigners who entered Israel were expected to respect its laws and assimilate. Exodus 12:49 declares, “There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.” In other words, those who sought refuge in Israel were welcomed — but under the same legal framework as everyone else.
This principle aligns with Trump’s immigration policies. Enforcing borders is not about cruelty; it is about maintaining order and protecting citizens. Open-border policies ignore God’s created order and invite chaos. The Bible warns of this in Nehemiah, where the city of Jerusalem was vulnerable without walls. A nation without secure borders is like a house without walls — it cannot stand.
Some Christians argue that Jesus would welcome all immigrants without restriction. But would He? Christ’s ministry was one of personal transformation, not political activism. He called individuals to repentance and faith, not to dismantle societal structures. When Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” (Mark 12:17), He affirmed the legitimacy of governmental authority — including laws governing national security.
Compassion and security are not mutually exclusive. America should be a beacon of hope for legal immigrants while enforcing laws to prevent illegal immigration. Just as Israel protected its borders while allowing lawful sojourners, America must uphold its laws while treating people with dignity. This is not only practical but biblical.
At its core, immigration policy should reflect both justice and mercy. A government that refuses to enforce its immigration laws is not merciful; it is negligent. The Apostle Paul teaches in Romans 13:4 that rulers are “God’s servant for your good.” The government exists to punish wrongdoers and protect the innocent. This means securing the border, preventing human trafficking, and stopping the exploitation of laborers who enter illegally. Turning a blind eye to illegal immigration does not reflect Christian charity — it encourages lawlessness and suffering.
Furthermore, unchecked immigration can burden a nation’s resources and undermine the social fabric. Proverbs 22:28 warns against removing ancient boundary markers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national and cultural identity. Responsible immigration policy ensures that those entering the country do so legally, with respect for the rule of law and the values that sustain the nation.
So, who would Jesus deport? Perhaps the better question is: would Jesus support lawlessness? The answer, according to Scripture, is no. Jesus upheld both justice and mercy — never one at the expense of the other. He understood His Father’s design for institutions such as the church, the family, and the state, each with its own role in preserving order and righteousness.
As Christians, we must reject the false notion that biblical compassion requires turning a blind eye to lawlessness. True compassion does not enable disorder — it upholds justice for the good of all. A just nation welcomes those who respect its laws but enforces consequences for those who break them. That is not cruelty — that is righteousness in action.
Lauren Cooley is the Executive Director of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church’s Institute for Faith & Culture. She is also the Board Chair for the Center for Christian Statesmanship and serves on the Board of Directors for Coral Ridge Ministries. Lauren has appeared on TV and radio numerous times, including Fox News, Fox Nation, Newsmax, and more. Her work has been published in many outlets including USA Today, the Miami Herald, the Tampa Bay Times, Townhall, the Christian Post, and the Washington Examiner where she previously served as Editor. Lauren is a graduate of Furman University (B.A. ’14) and is finishing her Master in Liberal Studies at the University of Miami.
