Dear Friend, This is Jack Jenkins, national reporter for Religion News Service, writing to you personally. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reporting from Minneapolis on the federal government’s stepped-up immigration enforcement efforts. In neighborhoods across the city, I’ve seen federal agents — often in unmarked vehicles and sometimes wearing face coverings — carry out arrests and detentions, including encounters that unfold quickly and in plain view. I’ve also been documenting how faith leaders and religious communities are responding. An interfaith network of clergy and volunteers has shown up at protest sites to pray, sing, and organize practical support — delivering groceries, checking on families, and helping people navigate fear and uncertainty. Some clergy have also chosen to accompany community members in places where enforcement actions are expected. In one instance, I wore protective gear to join a pastor as she walked her neighborhood, keeping watch for ICE activity and looking out for residents. Because events are moving fast, RNS is holding a virtual live conversation on Tuesday to share additional reporting from Minneapolis and help put the moment in context. I hope you’ll join me. Top Stories (RNS)— Hundreds of clergy from around the country gathered in Minneapolis to learn from Minnesota faith leaders how to protest against ICE enforcement. Then they took to the streets and helped block the city's airport.  UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland (RNS) — Smallwood, an eight-time Grammy nominee, died on Dec. 30, at age 77 of complications from kidney failure.  WASHINGTON (RNS) — In the wake of Trump’s comments about Hyde, the administration has faced a backlash from the anti-abortion movement, who also feel the administration has taken insufficient action to restrict access to mifepristone.  APEX, N.C. (RNS) — Judging from the crowds who lined up for miles on the side of the road to greet them and hand them flowers, oranges and bottled water, the simple act of walking for peace sparked nothing short of reverence.  MINNEAPOLIS (RNS) — 'I don't think a year ago we could have fathomed how quickly and how dramatically this country would change,' Budde told RNS in Minneapolis. Opinion(RNS) — The people of Minneapolis, too, are responding and resisting in unspeakably brave, radically loving ways that we will speak of for years to come.  (RNS) — Evangelicals are not anti-immigration; they are anti-chaos and anti-disorder. ICYMI MINNEAPOLIS (RNS) — The faith leaders, who hail from across the country and represent a range of religious traditions, deployed to neighborhoods with significant immigrant populations, where DHS agents have been most active.  (RNS) — Social scientist Ryan Burge discusses what polarization means for congregations, community life and the American civic landscape. | 
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