...
By Billal Rahman
Immigration Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Federal immigration agents conducted enforcement operations in and around churches in Southern California, according to The San Bernardino Sun.
The publication reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered Catholic parish properties in Montclair and Highland on Friday, June 20*.*
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed the claims, calling them false.
Read More on U.S.
"The accusation that ICE entered a church to make an arrest are FALSE. ICE conducted a traffic stop on an illegal alien on June 20 in the general proximity of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Montclair, California," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek.
"The illegal alien chose to pull into the church parking lot. Officers then safely made the arrest.
"There were no officers near Saint Adelaide Church, Montclair, California."
Newsweek reached out to the churches involved via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The Department of Homeland Security reversed the Biden administration's policy of prohibiting ICE agents from operating in or near schools, churches, and other "sensitive locations."
Churches in the United States play a key role in supporting migrants by offering resources, aid, and assistance. They often act as temporary shelters, especially for newcomers or those passing through. Many provide designated areas for rest and recovery, while also operating food banks, distributing clothing, and supplying other essentials to help migrants address their immediate needs.
What To Know
ICE detained several individuals in the parking lot of St. Adelaide Church in Highland, none of whom were parish employees or registered parishioners, according to The San Bernardino Sun.
ICE agents took one male parishioner into custody at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Montclair, the outlet reported.
"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. It is not of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – which guides us in all that we do," Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino, Alberto Rojas, said in a statement Tuesday.
...
Rojas urged the government to halt immigration enforcement operations as the government carries out President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans.
It comes as Trump's immigration enforcers have ramped up enforcement operations in the Los Angeles area after the president ordered the agency to target sanctuary cities.
According to church leaders, these widespread actions have led to a noticeable decline in attendance at Catholic and other houses of worship, as even Hispanic individuals with U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status have expressed fear of being questioned or detained.
"We are now seeing agents detain people as they leave their homes, in their places of work and other randomly chosen public settings," including on church property, Rojas said.
What People Are Saying
Bishop Alberto Rojas, in a statement: "Many are taking to the streets to voice their opposition to the current immigration enforcement tactics. It is their Constitutional right to do this, and I call 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. At this point, this seems only to increase the level of anger and fear of violence in the streets."
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in January that: "Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest."
Update 06/27/25, 03:15 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the DHS.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines