San Bernardino, Sacramento Bishops Dispense Mass Obligation Amid ICE Fears

Bishop Alberto Rojas of the San Bernardino Diocese in California has issued a rare dispensation allowing Catholics to skip Sunday and holy day Masses if they fear immigration enforcement actions by ICE. This decree responds to recent ICE activities, including arrests near or on church grounds, which have caused widespread fear and reduced Mass attendance among the diocese's largely Spanish-speaking population. The dispensation, grounded in Canon law, emphasizes spiritual care by encouraging alternative practices such as prayer and scripture reading while the fear persists. Bishop Rojas criticized current immigration enforcement tactics under President Trump's administration, calling for respect of human dignity and comprehensive immigration reform. Other dioceses, including Sacramento and Nashville, have expressed solidarity or issued similar statements, highlighting concerns over the safety of parishioners amid heightened immigration raids. The move has sparked diverse reactions, with some religious leaders underscoring the unprecedented nature of churches no longer being considered safe spaces and others comparing the situation to global challenges faced by Catholics.