Source: CNBC
“A Catholic bishop in California has issued a rare decree allowing parishioners to miss Mass due to fears of raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino wrote that ‘such fear constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful.’ Catholic bishops have occasionally granted Mass exemptions during natural disasters, war or societal events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But this appears to be the first time a bishop has invoked such a decree over immigration enforcement. … For decades, American presidents have traditionally limited the authority of federal agencies to conduct civil immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations like churches, hospitals and schools. President Donald Trump revoked these restrictions on his first day in office. Since then, federal immigration officials have [abducted] people suspected of being undocumented in schools and on church grounds.” (07/10/25)
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/09/trump-catholic-bishop-san-bernadino-mass.html