Diocese of Fresno Looks to Ease Immigration Concerns Among Parishioners

Despite weeks of no visible immigration enforcement activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley, fear persists among local immigrant communities. This anxiety has only intensified after the Trump Administration’s announcement allowing immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, such as churches and schools.

Lingering Fear in the Central San Joaquin Valley

The policy change has left many undocumented individuals feeling vulnerable, especially those who already face uncertainty about their status. Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno, who is also a U.S. citizen, recalls a moment of unease in January when he saw Border Patrol vehicles in the region. “It didn’t feel right, it didn’t look right. And my immigration status is good,” he said, reflecting the broader unease among residents. This followed a series of “targeted operations” by Homeland Security and U.S. Border Patrol agents across Kern, Madera, Tulare, and Fresno counties.

Impact on Local Churches and Religious Leaders

The fear of deportation has deeply affected immigrant families, many of whom turn to local religious leaders for comfort. Father Rayana Pudota of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Firebaugh shared that children approached him in tears, asking for prayers for their parents, who feared deportation. “They’re talking about deportation. No safety,” Father Pudota recalled. Bishop Brennan explained that some catechists and religious instructors, who lack legal status, are also worried. In response to the growing anxiety, religious leaders have observed fewer individuals attending Sunday services. “We have people choosing not to come to Sunday worship,” Brennan said, reflecting the community’s hesitancy to be in public spaces where they might be targeted by federal immigration authorities.

Efforts to Build and Restore Trust

In an attempt to address the community’s concerns, the Diocese of Fresno has been engaging with government leaders, law enforcement, and the Central Valley Industrial Areas Foundation. Together, they aim to brainstorm ways to rebuild trust and ensure safety for immigrant families.

Martha Rodriguez, a parishioner at St. Anthony Claret Church in Southeast Fresno, emphasized the importance of uniting local institutions that have a significant impact on the community. “We’re trying to bring together institutions that have an impact here locally,” she said, underscoring the collaborative efforts to ease tensions and rebuild relationships.

Bishop Brennan suggested that one way to restore trust in law enforcement was through direct engagement. “We’re inviting officers to speak at mass and meet with people afterward to answer their questions,” he explained. Many in the community have been wary of law enforcement, especially since local officers are sometimes mistakenly conflated with federal immigration authorities.

Creating Safe Spaces for Community Gatherings

In light of the heightened concerns, the Diocese of Fresno has also introduced new measures to protect parishioners. In some parishes, church services and community events are being held in smaller groups to prevent any incidents that could arise from larger gatherings. As the Easter season approaches, church leaders are focused on maintaining a safe environment, especially with the increased risk of individuals with ulterior motives attending large public events. Bishop Brennan noted that, “We want to protect our people from that,” as the community comes together for important religious celebrations.