WASHINGTON (AP) — The large Shrine of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic church near the White House, was meant to offer a refuge for followers. Now, its mainly immigrant congregation is overshadowed by anxiety.
Church officials report that over 40 members have been arrested, deported, or both since the authorities intensified actions in August. The crackdown has led many parishioners to fear leaving their homes for essential activities like attending Mass, shopping for groceries, or accessing healthcare.
Cardinal Robert McElroy of the Archdiocese of Washington condemned the use of fear tactics, stating that the government’s approach is denying immigrants any semblance of peace or security.
While the surge in federal law enforcement officially ended on September 10, immigration officials continue to patrol areas surrounding Sacred Heart, which is located in a thriving Latino neighborhood.
The church was founded over a century ago by Irish, Italian, and German immigrants, and today it counts nearly 5,600 members predominantly from El Salvador, along with many from Haiti, Brazil, and Vietnam.
Immigration raids have profoundly affected lives at Sacred Heart. Attendance at services—conducted in multiple languages—has plunged, with the church visibly less populated.
Rev. Emilio Biosca, the church’s pastor, noted that about half the regular attendees are afraid to come. In response, the church community is taking proactive measures. They not only offer spiritual support but are also attending immigration court hearings and providing food and financial assistance to struggling families.
Active volunteers at risk
Recent gatherings have seen church members dedicate rosaries to their detained and deported brethren, while many also join Zoom worship sessions out of fear of public exposure.
Among those affected is a woman who stopped attending church after her husband was detained while they worked at a fruit stall, their primary source of income. The couple fled gang violence in El Salvador two decades ago and became active church volunteers.
Since her husband’s detention, the church has supported her financially while she plans a move to Boston to be with family, anticipating the possibility of returning to El Salvador if her husband cannot avoid deportation.
“Our lives changed drastically; we had so many aspirations,” she said, voicing her despair and fears as she prepares to leave her home.
The Catholic Church’s support remains strong
Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, who himself journeyed to the U.S. seeking refuge from El Salvador, has become a powerful advocate for immigrant rights within the archdiocese.
Despite the church’s recognition of national border control, it vigorously defends the rights of migrants, understanding their critical role in community life. In fact, nearly 40% of the parishioners in the Washington Archdiocese are Latino.
Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security stated that enforcement targets are violent offenders, but Rev. Biosca expressed disappointment, noting that many community members are simply those who appear Hispanic.
The children of undocumented parents at the Sacred Heart School are feeling the strain, with some parents withdrawing their kids due to the fear of immigration enforcement.
“The ripple effect is profound; one person’s situation impacts entire families,” said principal Elias Blanco.
Clergy support for immigrants
Church leaders have also accompanied immigrants to court sessions, where ICE agents have been known to intervene. Rev. Carlos Reyes, originally from El Salvador, has supported vulnerable congregants during these challenging times.
Even as the church faces obstacles, its members remain resolute in their faith and commitment to supporting one another through these hardships, emphasizing the dignity and humanity of every individual.
On a recent Saturday, volunteers gathered to prepare and distribute food to those confined at home, ensuring that community support remains steadfast in this challenging environment.
“As people of faith, we cannot simply stand by,” concluded a volunteer, reflecting the church's spirit of resilience and service.
