Two prominent Roman Catholic dioceses in Southern California have raised concerns over recent federal immigration enforcement actions that have deeply affected undocumented immigrants within their communities.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Diocese of San Bernardino have both called for the federal government to exercise restraint and compassion towards migrants, albeit with differing approaches and tones in their responses.
Approximately 5 million Catholics belong to these two dioceses combined, which encompass major urban areas including Los Angeles and Riverside, as well as Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.
According to data released by the Pew Research Center, about 58% of individuals born abroad in the United States identify as Christians, with 30% of those identifying specifically as Catholics, marking them as the largest religious denomination in that demographic. Furthermore, 28% of all Christians in the Los Angeles and Riverside metro areas identify as Catholics, which is notably higher than any other denomination.
In response to the heightened fears surrounding immigration enforcement, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the San Bernardino Diocese has taken direct action by allowing parishioners to refrain from attending Sunday Mass. On July 8, Rojas addressed his congregation of roughly 1 million, acknowledging the widespread fears stemming from potential immigration raids.
In his decree, Rojas noted, “Many churchgoers have shared fears of attending Mass due to potential immigration enforcement action. Such fear constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful.”
This decision came on the heels of several arrests made at or near diocese churches, including an incident at Our Lady of Lourdes in Montclair on June 20.
In contrast, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have disputed claims regarding targeting churches during their operations, stating in a response that an arrest made on church property occurred only because an individual chose to enter the parking lot.
Rojas has expressed a respectful acknowledgment of law enforcement’s role in ensuring community safety while simultaneously criticizing current practices. He said, “Authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God.”
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has also been proactive in supporting affected migrants. Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez announced efforts to enhance the provision of essential services such as hot meals, groceries, and prescription medicines to congregants living in fear of deportation.
Gomez described immigrants who are being targeted in the raids as “good, hard-working men and women” making significant contributions to the economy. He expressed concern about their increasing anxiety, stating, “Now they are afraid to go to work or be seen in public for fear that they will get arrested and be deported.”
In light of these circumstances, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese mentioned a lack of awareness regarding any arrests made on its property, indicating that there are currently no plans for a dispensation for attendees as seen in San Bernardino.
In an open letter, Archbishop Gomez also voiced his alarm over the ongoing detentions, urging for legislative reform within the immigration system to address the issues impacting vulnerable populations within his archdiocese.
As these two dioceses continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation regarding immigration raids, they both underscore the Church’s longstanding commitment to advocating for the marginalized and supporting their well-being amid uncertainty.
The reactions from both dioceses reflect a significant moment in the lives of many congregants who navigate the complexities of immigration policy, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in federal actions.
Overall, further developments will be monitored as these religious institutions adapt to the ongoing challenges presented by the current immigration landscape under the Trump administration.
As these actions unfold, community members and congregants are left to grapple with the increased fear that has set in concerning their safety and security within their own neighborhoods.
This fear has rippled through families and communities, prompting both dioceses to take steps toward ensuring peace and spiritual resilience during a turbulent time.
image source from：latimes
