Overview

• On July 8, Bishop Rojas formally dispensed Catholics from Sunday and holy-day Mass obligations if they have genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions.
• The decree follows DHS’s January decision to undo a Biden-era policy barring ICE arrests at churches and other protected sites, which preceded raids in the San Bernardino Diocese.
• White House Border Czar Tom Homan dismissed the dispensation as “BS,” saying he is unaware of any ICE arrests on church grounds.
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the policy shift and the bishop’s response for undermining religious freedom by forcing immigrants to choose between worship and enforcement risks.
• DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said ICE would enter churches only to apprehend violent criminals, yet the diocese insists the dispensation will remain until enforcement threats abate.