Key Takeaways
• Trump Administration rescinded Biden-era Protected Areas policy on January 20, 2025, allowing ICE raids near churches.
• Church attendance in affected areas dropped by up to 70%, with immigrants fearing arrest during services.
• Court injunction in March 2025 limits ICE enforcement near places of worship but enforcement details remain unclear.
In July 2025, a wave of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids near and at churches has triggered a crisis for immigrant communities and religious leaders across the United States 🇺🇸. The Diocese of San Bernardino, which serves about 1.2 million people—many of whom are immigrants—has been especially affected. Bishop Alberto Rojas issued a public decree acknowledging that fear of ICE enforcement has kept many parishioners from attending Mass. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates of new policies, what actions are required, and the implications for pending immigration applications and community life.
Summary of What Changed
The most significant change came on January 20, 2025, when the Trump Administration rescinded the Biden-era “Protected Areas” policy. This policy had previously limited ICE enforcement actions in sensitive locations, such as churches, schools, and hospitals. With the policy now reversed, ICE agents can conduct enforcement actions in these spaces without needing special authorization. The new directive relies on “common sense” rather than formal restrictions, which has led to increased ICE activity near and at churches.
This shift has caused widespread fear among immigrant communities, especially those who regularly attend church. According to Bishop Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino, some congregations have seen attendance drop by as much as half. In California’s Central Valley, some parishes report attendance declines of 60% to 70%. The fear is not limited to church attendance—families are also avoiding essential services, leading to secondary problems like food insecurity among children.
Who Is Affected
- Immigrant Parishioners:
Immigrants who attend churches, especially those without legal status, are most directly affected. Many now fear that attending Mass or other church events could put them at risk of arrest and deportation. Church Leaders and Staff:
Priests, bishops, and church staff must now navigate new legal and practical risks. They are responsible for protecting their congregants and adapting their ministries to the new reality.Families and Children:
The impact extends to entire families, including U.S. citizen children whose parents may be at risk. Fear of ICE raids has led to social isolation and reluctance to seek help, even for basic needs.Community Organizations:
Groups that work with immigrants, such as food banks and legal aid clinics, are seeing fewer people seeking help due to fear of enforcement actions.Pending Immigration Applicants:
Those with pending immigration applications may worry that attending church or community events could jeopardize their cases if they are detained during an ICE raid.
Effective Dates
- January 20, 2025:
The Trump Administration officially rescinded the “Protected Areas” policy, allowing ICE to conduct enforcement actions in churches and other sensitive locations. March 2025:
A court injunction was issued requiring ICE to comply with certain restrictions on enforcement actions in or near places of worship. However, the details of this injunction are still evolving, and its enforcement is not yet fully clear.
Required Actions for Churches and Community Members
Churches and their congregants must take several steps to protect themselves and their communities in light of these changes:
For Churches:
- Educate Congregants on Their Rights:
Churches should provide clear information about what to do if ICE agents appear at or near the church. This includes “know your rights” training and distributing materials in multiple languages. Develop Response Protocols:
Establish clear procedures for staff and volunteers in case ICE agents are seen on or near church property. This may include designating a point person to communicate with law enforcement and legal counsel.Alternative Worship Arrangements:
Some churches, like those in the Diocese of San Bernardino and Orange County, are offering Holy Communion at home for those too fearful to attend in person. Virtual services and small home gatherings are also being encouraged.Legal Support Networks:
Partner with local immigrant advocacy groups and legal aid organizations to provide support for congregants who may be at risk. This includes having contact information for immigration lawyers readily available.Monitor Local Enforcement Activity:
Stay informed about ICE activity in the area and communicate updates to the congregation quickly and transparently.
For Congregants:
- Know Your Rights:
Immigrants should understand their rights if approached by ICE, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse entry to their home or church without a warrant signed by a judge. Stay Informed:
Keep up to date with announcements from church leaders and local advocacy groups about ICE activity and legal developments.Seek Legal Advice:
Those with pending immigration cases or concerns about their status should consult with a qualified immigration attorney. The National Immigration Law Center and United Church of Christ offer resources and referrals.Use Alternative Services:
If attending church in person feels unsafe, make use of home-based or virtual worship options provided by the church.
Implications for Pending Immigration Applications
The increase in ICE raids, especially near churches, has created new risks for people with pending immigration applications. While attending church is not a violation of immigration law, being detained during a raid could complicate or delay an application. Here are some key points to consider:
- Risk of Detention:
If you are detained by ICE while your application is pending, you may be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. This can interrupt your case and may require urgent legal intervention. Impact on Asylum and Other Relief:
For those seeking asylum or other forms of relief, being detained can make it harder to gather evidence, attend hearings, or meet deadlines.Legal Representation:
Having a lawyer can make a significant difference. If you are detained, your lawyer can help ensure your application continues to move forward and may be able to secure your release.Family Separation:
Detention can lead to family separation, especially if children are U.S. citizens and parents are detained. This can have long-term emotional and practical consequences.
Policy Background and Historical Context
The “Protected Areas” policy was first introduced to ensure that immigrants could access essential services—like worship, education, and healthcare—without fear of arrest. In 2021, the Biden administration expanded these protections to include a wide range of locations. The goal was to build trust between immigrant communities and public institutions.
The Trump administration’s 2025 decision to rescind these protections marks a return to more aggressive enforcement tactics. ICE now has the authority to conduct raids in places that were previously considered off-limits, including churches. This has been widely criticized by religious leaders, immigrant advocates, and some local officials.
Key Stakeholders and Their Perspectives
- Religious Leaders:
Bishops Alberto Rojas (Diocese of San Bernardino) and Kevin Vann (Orange County) have spoken out against the raids. They argue that enforcement actions in places of worship harm not only individuals but also the broader community by undermining trust and spiritual well-being. Bishop Vann has arranged for Holy Communion to be delivered to homes, reflecting the extraordinary steps churches are taking. ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
ICE officials insist that their actions are lawful and that they do not enter church sanctuaries to make arrests. They claim that enforcement near churches is necessary to uphold immigration laws and target individuals with criminal records. However, many community members and advocates dispute these claims, pointing to the chilling effect on church attendance and community life.Immigrant Advocacy Groups:
Organizations like the National Immigration Law Center and United Church of Christ have condemned the policy change. They argue that it puts vulnerable people at risk and undermines the role of churches as safe spaces. These groups are providing legal resources, know-your-rights training, and support for affected communities.Community Members:
Many immigrants now live in fear, avoiding not only church but also schools, hospitals, and other public places. This isolation can lead to mental health challenges, food insecurity, and a breakdown of community support networks.
ICE Enforcement Data and Community Impact
ICE has stepped up enforcement efforts in 2025. In the first half of the year, at least 44 people were detained in Los Angeles during early June raids. ICE has also picked up 587 people out of 11,231 inmates released from California state prisons so far this year, representing about 87% of those released. These numbers show a clear increase in aggressive enforcement.
The impact on communities is severe:
- Reduced Church Attendance:
Some parishes have lost up to 70% of their regular attendees. Food Insecurity:
Families afraid to leave home are missing out on food programs and other essential services.Social Isolation:
Fear of ICE raids is causing people to withdraw from community life, leading to increased loneliness and stress.
Legal and Practical Guidance for Churches
Churches are now on the front lines of this crisis. To help protect their congregants, religious organizations are offering practical guidance:
- Know-Your-Rights Education:
Hold workshops and distribute materials explaining what to do if ICE appears. Legal Support:
Build relationships with local immigration lawyers and advocacy groups.Alternative Worship:
Offer home-based or virtual services for those too fearful to attend in person.Communication:
Keep the community informed about changes in policy and local enforcement activity.Documentation:
Keep records of any ICE encounters and report any violations of the court injunction to legal authorities.
Court Orders and Ongoing Legal Challenges
Despite the policy change, a court injunction issued in March 2025 requires ICE to follow certain restrictions when conducting enforcement actions in or near places of worship. The specifics of this injunction are still being worked out in the courts, and enforcement may vary by region. Churches and advocacy groups are closely monitoring these developments and may seek further legal protections.
Future Outlook
The situation remains uncertain. Legal challenges to ICE’s expanded authority are ongoing, and religious organizations continue to push for legislative or policy changes to restore protections for sensitive locations. The outcome will depend on future court rulings and possible changes in administration or congressional action.
Official Resources and Contacts
For those seeking more information or needing assistance, the following resources are available:
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations:
ICE ERO Protected Areas – Official information on ICE enforcement in sensitive locations. United Church of Christ Immigration Resources:
UCC Immigration Enforcement Action – Guidance for churches on responding to ICE actions.National Immigration Law Center:
NILC Factsheet – Analysis and resources on the rescission of protected areas policies.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current environment for immigrants and churches is marked by uncertainty and fear, but also by resilience and adaptation. Churches are finding new ways to serve their communities, and advocacy groups are working tirelessly to restore protections and support those at risk.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- For Churches:
- Continue to educate and support your congregants.
- Develop clear protocols for responding to ICE activity.
- Partner with legal and advocacy organizations for resources and support.
- For Immigrants:
- Know your rights and seek legal advice if you are concerned about your status.
- Use alternative worship options if you feel unsafe attending church in person.
- Stay connected with your community and advocacy groups for updates and support.
- For Community Organizations:
- Monitor the situation and provide clear, accessible information to those you serve.
- Advocate for policy changes that restore protections for sensitive locations.
The landscape of immigration enforcement is changing rapidly. Staying informed, prepared, and connected is the best way to protect yourself and your community during this challenging time.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids and detentions of undocumented immigrants.
Protected Areas Policy → A policy limiting ICE arrests near sensitive locations such as churches and schools.
Court Injunction → A legal order restricting actions by authorities, here limiting ICE enforcement near places of worship.
Deportation Proceedings → Legal process initiated when an immigrant is detained for potential removal from the U.S.
Know Your Rights → Information immigrants receive to understand legal protections during encounters with ICE or law enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, rescinded protections let ICE enforce immigration laws inside churches, causing fear and attendance drops in immigrant communities. Churches respond with rights education, alternative services, and legal partnerships to protect congregants amid ongoing legal challenges and uncertainty about enforcement policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
