What is actually happening inside the U.S. immigration detention system—and what can communities of faith do in response?

In this session, immigration data expert Professor Austin Kocher offers a clear, accessible overview of how the U.S. immigration detention system operates and what the data reveals about enforcement trends, detention conditions, and the people most impacted. Moving beyond headlines and rhetoric, Professor Kocher grounds the conversation in evidence, helping participants better understand the scale, structure, and human consequences of detention in the United States.

The session will also highlight how faith communities across the country are responding to this moment—through accompaniment, advocacy, rapid response, and moral witness. Participants will be invited to consider immigration detention and enforcement not only as policy issues, but as deeply moral and spiritual questions that call for reflection and action.

Ample time will be reserved for dialogue and discussion, creating space for shared learning and thoughtful engagement.

This event is open to the community and is sponsored by Congregation Shaare Emeth and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis.

Registration for each attendee required and appreciated.

For more on Dr. Kocher’s work, visit his Substack.