Samuel Rodriguez on the future of Latinos in politics and Hollywood
NASHVILLE, Tennessee — During the National Religious Broadcasters conference last month, Pastor Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, president of the National Association of Hispanic Evangelicals, sat down with The Christian Post in Spanish to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Hispanic community globally.
In an in-depth conversation, Rodríguez delved into the church's stance on immigration policies, the geopolitical readjustment in Latin America and the creation of high-level cinematic content.
The balance sheet regarding the migration crisis and ICE actions
Given the impact of recent raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which have threatened the stability of various Hispanic congregations affiliated with NHCLC, Rodríguez emphasized that the Church must maintain a vision that respects the law while protecting the vulnerable.
Acknowledging that government agencies "went overboard" in carrying out President Donald Trump's deportation policies, he asserted that the administration's central objective is to focus exclusively on criminals and cartels. However, critics point out that immigration enforcement policies have also put some refugees or asylum seekers resettled in the U.S. in the crosshairs.
Rodríguez shared details about a meeting with Tom Homan, the White House border czar, highlighting his sensitivity to the border crisis.
"I've seen Tom Homan cry [...] for the girls who were raped at the border," Rodríguez recounted, adding that there is an agreement to correct the approach to deportations.
Regarding the recent incidents in Minnesota, where anti-ICE activists stormed a church service, the Evangelical leader was categorical in defending the sanctity of the temple.
“If anyone enters my church to stage a protest, I assure you it will not be tolerated. It is a sacred place,” he stated.
Rodríguez urged pastors to avoid partisan agendas of the left or right, calling on them to lead exclusively under “the agenda of the Lamb.”
Venezuela: A divine design and the domino effect
Internationally, Rodríguez described the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the political transition in Venezuela as a prophetic event and "a manifestation of the fulfillment of prayers."
The pastor strongly criticized how the regime had manipulated religion for years to advance a socialist and Marxist ideology that threatens Judeo-Christian values.
Looking ahead, the president of the NHCLC envisions an unprecedented spiritual awakening in the South American nation and a "domino effect" that will impact countries such as Uruguay, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Nicaragua.
"The Latino people will rise up like a wall in defense of Judeo-Christian values," Rodríguez asserted, emphasizing that the Church is the only institution equipped with "the balm" necessary to lead reconciliation and heal families affected by torture and exile.
Be Light Productions and the transformation of Hollywood
Rodríguez touched on the launch of Be Light Productions, a new production company that seeks to redefine the Hispanic presence in Hollywood.
Rodríguez argued that the Latino community must stop being a mere consumer of entertainment and become a creator of content with excellence.
The production company aims to change the paradigm that portrays Latinos as perpetual victims.
"Latinos are people," he said. "We are conquerors. We are more than conquerors."
Currently, the company is working on seven audiovisual projects, two of which are in post-production. Among its most innovative ventures is the creation of science fiction films that integrate the Latin American context and faith, a niche that, according to Rodríguez, has never been explored in the industry.
Support for the Dignity Act
Finally, Rodríguez celebrated the American Christian Credit Union's (ACCU) support for the Dignity Act, a bill promoted by Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Florida Republican who endorsed Trump in the 2024 election but has been openly critical of his administration's strict immigration enforcement policies that she contends have "deceived" Trump's Latino supporters. Rodríguez promoted the bill at an NHCLC event last October.
The proposal seeks to shield illegal immigrants who do not have a criminal record and have been in the U.S. for more than five years from deportation and grant them work permits without offering amnesty or citizenship.
"This is the precise moment in this country for us to cross the Jordan of comprehensive immigration reform and have a permanent solution," he concluded.
This article was originally published at CP Español.
