The Cost of Silence: Our Duty to Act

The current political and social climate calls to mind the words often attributed to German Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemöller, who wrote while imprisoned:

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

This haunting reminder of silence and complicity resonates just as powerfully today. Across the country, thousands of immigrants—many of them Black and Brown—are arrested by ICE on their way to church, school, work, or even the grocery store. We see videos of children being pulled from their parents and families torn apart, and we are left asking: How should we respond?

Progressive lawyers battle in the courts to defend the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights for all. Attorneys General, Governors, and Mayors in sanctuary states and cities issue statements of inclusion and call on the administration to end its abuses of power. Yet, meaningful change remains elusive.

Churches pray, but many congregations simultaneously support the very policies that perpetuate suffering. Meanwhile, the pain inflicted by ICE and the government persists.

At moments like this, I return to the wisdom of anthropologist Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Her words remind us that silence is not an option. Each of us has a role to play. Change doesn’t come only from courts or politicians—it comes from us; in the choices we make and the actions we take.

What Can We Do?

Here are some concrete ways we can resist silence and take action:

• Raise your voice: Speak out against harmful policies. Use social media, write letters to the editor, and share immigrant stories that need to be heard.

• Support immigrant families: Donate to or volunteer with organizations providing legal aid, housing, food, and advocacy.

• Hold leaders accountable: Call, write, or meet with elected officials to demand humane and just immigration policies.

• Create sanctuary: Work with schools, workplaces, and faith communities to become safe spaces for immigrant families.

• Educate and mobilize: Host community conversations, book clubs, or workshops to spread awareness and build collective action.

Silence enables injustice. But when we speak, act, and stand together, we begin to bend the arc of history toward justice.