(TORRANCE) Faith leaders across Southern California gather outside immigration courts and community centers this week to support immigrants facing deportation after a sharp rise in arrests since early June 2025. They offer comfort, practical aid, and clear information as enforcement intensifies in workplaces, farms, and public spaces.
Clergy say they respond to growing fear. The Department of Homeland Security states no place is off-limits for enforcement, especially for people with criminal records or prior immigration violations. A DHS spokesperson says people can accept an offer of $1,000 and a free flight home through the CBP Home app.
Local response in Torrance
On the ground in Torrance, Rev. Oona Casanova Vazquez, lead pastor at South Bay Church of the Nazarene, stands outside immigration court weekly with volunteers. They bring water, tissues, and leaflets that explain what to expect at hearings.
“We’re here so no one feels alone,” she says, noting parents who worry about children at school and workers afraid to leave home for jobs.
Many congregations expand services to meet urgent needs. Churches deliver food, pay for medicine, help with rent, and hold online worship to reduce travel that could expose people to possible raids. Catholic parishes, with millions of members in the region, anchor much of this response alongside Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and interfaith partners.
DHS policy and controversy
DHS continues strict enforcement. Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin says people who accept voluntary departure can keep a pathway to seek legal entry later. Critics call the $1,000 incentive coercive. Immigrant families ask whether taking the flight will affect future visas or asylum. The agency maintains the offer is lawful and clear.
“We can’t promise outcomes. We can promise to stand with you.” — volunteer outside court
What this means for families today
- Expect more checks at job sites and in public areas.
- Keep important papers ready, including any past immigration documents and court notices.
- Plan childcare and emergency contacts if a family member is detained.
- Seek legal advice quickly if you receive a notice to appear in court.
Faith leaders do not provide legal representation, but they connect people to trusted nonprofit legal clinics. They also explain basic terms in plain language: “voluntary departure” means choosing to leave the United States on your own rather than being formally removed by a judge. A formal removal creates longer bars to return.
Practical steps faith groups follow now
- Attend immigration court hearings to provide moral support.
- Hand out clear, simple leaflets about enforcement and court processes.
- Deliver food, medicine, and rent assistance to households in crisis.
- Stream services to limit travel and reduce risk of encounters.
- Speak publicly, urging humane treatment and measured policies.
National faith leaders weigh in
Catholic bishops and other leaders nationwide call for compassion and restraint. Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago voice concern about mass deportation plans and ask for policies that protect human dignity. Their statements circulate in parish bulletins and social media feeds, offering reassurance to worried families.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, faith-based networks often become the first point of contact for immigrants who fear stepping into government buildings. Their analysis notes that consistent presence outside courts helps people feel seen and heard, even if legal outcomes remain uncertain.
Know your rights and local services
In Torrance and nearby cities, community rooms fill with “know your rights” sessions in English and Spanish. Volunteers explain simple rules:
- You don’t have to open the door unless officers show a warrant signed by a judge.
- You can remain silent.
- You can ask to speak with a lawyer.
For many, even this basic knowledge lowers panic and helps them make calm choices.
DHS priorities and official resources
DHS emphasizes that individuals with criminal convictions or prior immigration violations remain a priority. Officials stress that people can reduce the risk of arrest by taking the voluntary departure option. The CBP Home app supports this process.
For official information about immigration court procedures, families can review the Executive Office for Immigration Review page at the U.S. Department of Justice, which lists court locations, case status tools, and hearing guidance.
A typical week outside the court
- Monday: Volunteers from South Bay Church of the Nazarene greet families with a short checklist: arrive early, bring all documents, dress neatly, and ask the judge for time to find a lawyer if needed.
- Midweek: Food pantry deliveries go to households where a parent lost a job after a raid.
- Thursday: Online prayer service offers emotional care for people waiting on tough decisions.
- Friday: Clergy meet to review updates and plan weekend clinics.
People ask what happens if they ignore a court date. Volunteers explain that missing a hearing can lead to an “in absentia” removal order, which worsens the situation. They urge everyone to check their hearing date often and keep phone numbers updated with the court.
Community and economic impacts
Employers in farms and factories report workforce gaps as people stay home out of fear. Small businesses feel the strain, and local schools see changes in attendance. Pastors say they’re stepping in to keep families stable while debates continue in Washington, D.C.
A mother from Gardena describes her dilemma: accept the $1,000 and leave quickly, or stay and fight for asylum. Her pastor doesn’t tell her what to do. Instead, the church arranges a free consult with a legal nonprofit, covers two weeks of rent, and assigns a volunteer to help with school pickups while she gathers records for her case.
Legal notes for families
- Keep copies of any past orders, applications, or entry records. Even small details can matter.
- If you receive a Notice to Appear, attend the hearing. Ask the judge for time to find a lawyer if you don’t have one.
- If you consider voluntary departure, ask a qualified legal provider to explain how it affects future visa or asylum options.
The debate and what’s next
The debate over enforcement remains intense. Supporters argue strong action protects laws and deters future violations. Faith leaders reply that human dignity must guide policy, and that families, especially children, should not carry the heaviest burden.
Both sides agree clarity helps: people should know their options, timelines, and consequences. Looking ahead, DHS has announced no changes to its current approach. Faith coalitions plan to keep weekly court vigils, aid drops, and public statements. They also build stronger referral lists for legal help, mental health care, and school counseling, since family stress often shows up in classrooms.
For resources:
– Check your case status or find a court location at the Department of Justice — Executive Office for Immigration Review website.
– If you’re weighing the CBP Home app’s voluntary departure path, speak with a legal expert before making a choice you can’t undo.
“We can’t promise outcomes. We can promise to stand with you.”
In Southern California today, that promise matters—especially to neighbors deciding, under pressure, what comes next.
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