Community and government leaders across Southern California advocate for the immigrant community

The Diocese in San Bernardino announced the dispensing of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass to the immigrant community due to genuine fear of raids and detentions. 

Bishop Alberto Rojas said in a statement that there has been a visible increase in immigration enforcement in the region.

“Authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God,” said Rojas. “I say once again to our immigrant communities who are bearing the trauma and injustice of these tactics that your Church walks with you and supports you. We join you in carrying this very difficult cross.”

Rojas said that while the church respects the right of law enforcement to keep communities safe from violent criminals, the detentions of people in the streets, work and random public settings is dramatically increasing.  

“We have experienced at least one case of ICE agents entering a parish property and seizing several people. It should be no surprise that this is creating a tremendous amount of fear, confusion and anxiety for many,” he said. 

Other counties seeking options

The City of Santa Ana in Orange County recently approved three resolutions in favor of the immigrant community. These call for federal elected representatives to advocate for the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and military from Santa Ana, support residents impacted by immigration raids and reaffirm the City’s commitment to SB 54, the California Values Act and its Sanctuary City policies.

The City Council directed the City Manager to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to ICE seeking records pertaining to immigration enforcement activity in Santa Ana from January 20 through July 1, 2025.

The council also voted to establish an emergency assistance program for families impacted by immigration enforcement, using $100,000 from the City events budget without canceling any events.

In Riverside County, Michael M. Vargas, mayor of the City of Perris, urged residents to be vigilant and know their rights. In a video published on social media, he said they have received reports of ongoing ICE operations within the area. 

“Do not go out unless necessary. Stay at home and do not open the door to strangers,” said Vargas. “This message is for awareness and safety. The City is committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of all our residents.”

While the message was intended to create awareness, many people agreed that words without action mean nothing. Several followers asked him on his posted video how immigrants are going to pay their rent and bills if they stay indoors and don’t go to work.

Others advised the city to work on creating a task force to deliver groceries, help with children who go to school and assist with healthcare and medications. 

The following day, the city shared a link with resources from local and state entities that can help the immigrant community.  However, none of the help comes in direct financial aid from the city.

Recently,  the City of Huntington Park recently approved “HP with You,”  a $150,000 pilot program to help their immigrant families.

Advocating for peace

San Bernardino’s Bishop Rojas pleaded to political leaders and decision-makers to reconsider and cease the immigration tactics being used and to respect human rights and human dignity as they work on comprehensive immigration reform. 

He recognized the work being done by activists and said they are in their constitutional right to protest. However, he also called on all protestors to act without vulgarity, violence toward others or destruction of property. 

“The tension around this issue has been further heightened by the decision to deploy federal National Guard troops and military personnel to the sites of these protests,” said Rojas. “At this point, this seems only to increase the level of anger and fear of violence in the streets.” 

Rojas  recalled Pope Francis telling him once that his greatest fear was division, which is what’s happening at this moment.