San Bernardino Diocese Issues Mass Dispensation Over ICE Fears

Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino, serving over 1.7 million Catholics in Southern California, has issued a formal decree dispensing parishioners from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass due to fears of ICE immigration enforcement, particularly following recent raids and arrests on church properties. This dispensation, the first of its kind by a U.S. diocese in response to federal immigration operations, will remain in effect until further notice. The bishop has encouraged alternative spiritual practices, such as personal prayer or virtual Mass, and called on pastors to offer compassionate support to affected parishioners. Attendance has notably decreased among Spanish-speaking congregations. The move has drawn criticism from Trump administration officials, who argue church arrests are rare, while California Governor Gavin Newsom has cited the decree as evidence of threats to religious freedom. Catholic leaders in other regions, including Nashville, have also reported declining attendance and heightened concerns amid immigration enforcement.