In a rare and urgent move, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino has formally suspended the obligation for Catholics to attend weekly Mass due to growing fears of immigration enforcement actions in the region.
The decree, announced on July 8, dispenses parishioners who experience “genuine fear” of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids from attending Sunday services and other holy days of obligation, such as Christmas. Bishop Rojas stated that fear stemming from enforcement activity qualifies as a “grave inconvenience” that can prevent the faithful from fulfilling their spiritual obligations.
“In issuing this decree, I am guided by the Church’s mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted to my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship,” Rojas said in his statement.
Context: ICE Detentions at Church Properties
The bishop’s decision follows recent ICE activity on parish grounds. According to the National Catholic Reporter, on June 20, immigration agents detained multiple individuals at two diocesan churches — St. Adelaide Parish in Highland and Our Lady of Lourdes in Montclair. One longtime parishioner was among those taken into custody.
In response, Bishop Rojas expressed deep concern about the psychological and spiritual toll such enforcement actions have caused. In a letter to his diocese, he condemned the actions as contributing to “tremendous fear, confusion, and anxiety” and urged public officials to immediately reconsider such tactics.
“Authorities are now seizing brothers and sisters indiscriminately, without respect for their right to due process and their dignity as children of God,” the letter stated.
A Diocese on the Frontline
The Diocese of San Bernardino, which covers San Bernardino and Riverside counties, serves nearly 1 million Catholics and is one of the largest in the U.S. The region is home to a majority Latino population, with 56.4% of San Bernardino County and 52.5% of Riverside County identifying as Latino, according to U.S. Census data.
Dispensations of this kind are usually reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as pandemics or natural disasters. Observant Catholics are generally required to attend weekly Mass, and failure to do so without serious reason is considered a grave sin under Church teaching.
National Church Response to Immigration Policies
The San Bernardino decree reflects a growing rift between the Roman Catholic Church and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. Since returning to office, President Trump has intensified immigration crackdowns, especially in California, revoking federal policies that previously restricted enforcement in sensitive areas such as schools and churches.
In February, multiple religious groups filed lawsuits against the administration over these changes. However, a federal judge ruled in April that the administration could continue enforcement actions without geographic restrictions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, following the 2024 presidential election, reaffirmed its support for immigrant communities, stating that it stood in “firm solidarity” with those affected by the administration’s immigration agenda.
California Officials Push Back
Federal immigration raids in California have sparked widespread backlash. In June, a series of operations across Los Angeles County drew protests and condemnation from state and local leaders. After demonstrations began on June 6, President Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to the area, citing public safety concerns.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly criticized the federal response, particularly the military presence in civilian spaces. On July 7, she decried an incident in which armored vehicles and troops temporarily swarmed MacArthur Park — a location where children were reportedly playing before the arrival of law enforcement.
“It is outrageous and un-American that the federal government seized our state’s National Guard,” Bass said. “It’s outrageous and un-American that we have U.S. Marines, trained for foreign combat, deployed in our cities.”
A New Precedent for Church Action
While other dioceses, including the Diocese of Nashville, have issued warnings and statements of concern, the Diocese of San Bernardino appears to be the first in the nation to formally lift the Sunday obligation in response to immigration raids.
The move signals the growing tension between religious communities and federal immigration authorities—and reflects the Church’s broader commitment to advocating for the dignity and safety of immigrant families across the country.
