Texas Impact is “an interfaith group that works together on issues that affect the most vulnerable people in their community.” They help bridge the gap from charity to justice and empower people to “live out their faith in the public square.” Texas Impact collaborates with the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy on the Courts and Ports experience.

Courts & Ports: Faithful Witness on the Texas-Mexico Border is a two day immersion experience designed for people of faith to explore immigration justice issues in South Texas. Participants experience first-hand, the legal and law enforcement processes related to immigration, detention, and deportation occurring in South Texas. Through interactions with policy experts, law enforcement officials, volunteers, and asylum seekers, participants gain an understanding of the challenges migrants and public servants face at the Texas-Mexico border.

The program is designed for group sizes between 2-8 people of the same or multiple congregations. The registration fee is between $300-$425 and participants are expected to cover their own travel costs. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued id. During the two days, participants will meet with ACLU staff, observe court proceedings, serve at a local organization, observe the border, worship together, and more. Schedules and activities respond to the ever-changing policy environment of immigration, so participants need to be flexible in response to potential changes.

Check out Texas Impact’s Facebook page for “Weekly Witness” videos highlighting public policy issues through a faith lens.