In an unprecedented move, the Catholic Dioceses of Nashville, Tennessee, and San Bernardino, California, have issued dispensations exempting immigrants fearful of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass.
These decisions, driven by heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, reflect growing concerns among Catholic leaders about the safety and spiritual well-being of their parishioners, particularly in immigrant-heavy communities.
On July 8, 2025, Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino, which serves approximately one million Catholics in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, issued a formal decree.
The decree states that parishioners with a “genuine fear” of immigration enforcement actions are excused from attending Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation.
This marks the first time a U.S. diocese has issued such a dispensation explicitly due to fears of immigration detentions.
The decision follows reports of ICE detentions on two diocese properties in June 2025.
According to the National Catholic Reporter, on June 20, a longtime parishioner was detained while doing landscaping work at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Montclair, and several men were apprehended in the parking lot of St. Adelaide parish in Highland.
Bishop Rojas, in a letter to parishioners, expressed concern over the “tremendous amount of fear, confusion, and anxiety” caused by these actions, noting an increase in immigration enforcement in the region.
Rojas emphasized the Church’s mission to prioritize the spiritual welfare of its members, stating, “I’m guided by the Church’s mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted under my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship.”
He encouraged alternative spiritual practices, such as praying the rosary or reading scripture, and directed parishes to explore options like virtual catechesis to support those unable to attend Mass.
Nashville: Responding to Declining Attendance
The Diocese of Nashville took similar action in May 2025, citing a significant drop in attendance at Spanish-speaking Mass services due to immigration enforcement activities.
The diocese issued a statement noting that “many of those in our diocese are concerned about possibly being confronted or detained while attending Mass or other parish events.”
It clarified that Catholics are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass if doing so risks their safety, emphasizing that churches remain open to welcome and serve communities.
This response was prompted by heightened ICE operations in the Nashville area, which have contributed to widespread fear among immigrant communities.
The diocese’s decision reflects a broader trend among Catholic leaders addressing the impact of immigration policies on religious participation.
These dispensations come amid an escalation of ICE operations under the Trump administration, which has prioritized mass deportation efforts.
Since January 2025, ICE raids have targeted communities in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville, often in areas with significant Latino populations.
Reports of detentions, including alleged instances of U.S. citizens being stopped or detained due to racial profiling, have heightened tensions.
For example, in Southern California, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center reported at least five cases of U.S. citizens detained by ICE in recent weeks.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended ICE’s actions, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denying claims of wrongful detentions and asserting that operations are “highly targeted” and not resulting in the arrest of U.S. citizens.
However, critics, including MALDEF and other civil rights groups, argue that ICE’s tactics have led to indiscriminate detentions, sowing fear in communities.
The Catholic Church has long advocated for the dignity and rights of immigrants.
The late Pope Francis, in 2013, made immigration a focal point of his papacy, denouncing mass deportation plans as “a disgrace” during Trump’s first term.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has also criticized the reversal of protections for sensitive locations like churches, which were once considered off-limits for immigration enforcement.
In San Bernardino, Bishop Rojas acknowledged the role of law enforcement in maintaining safety but expressed concern over actions that “indiscriminately” target community members, urging respect for due process and human dignity.
Similarly, Nashville’s diocese has sought to balance spiritual obligations with practical safety concerns, ensuring immigrants remain connected to their faith despite fears of attending Mass.
Also Read: A Mom Is Now Freed From ICE Amid Community Support
Community Impact and Reactions
The dispensations have sparked varied reactions.
Some praise the Church for prioritizing the safety of vulnerable parishioners, while others view the move as a stark indicator of the chilling effect of immigration policies.
Posts on X reflect this divide, with some users describing the situation as a “MAGA assault on the Catholic Church,” while others argue the dispensations highlight a prioritization of political narratives over lawful governance.
Local leaders have also responded.
In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass demanded an end to a raid at MacArthur Park on July 7, 2025, calling it “unacceptable.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized the Trump administration’s tactics, framing them as an attack on democratic values.
Meanwhile, protests against ICE raids have spread to cities like Atlanta, Boston, and San Francisco, signaling broader unrest.
The dispensations in San Bernardino and Nashville underscore the intersection of immigration policy, religious freedom, and community safety.
As ICE operations continue, Catholic leaders are adapting to ensure spiritual support for their congregations.
Both dioceses have encouraged alternative forms of worship and community engagement, signaling a commitment to inclusivity despite challenging circumstances.
For now, the rare dispensations serve as a poignant reminder of the human toll of immigration enforcement, with ripple effects felt in pews and communities across the nation.
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