Immigrant Community in D.C. Church Faces Fear Amid Immigration Crackdown

Wed Oct 29 2025 03:46:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic church in Washington, D.C., is grappling with the fear and uncertainty that has descended upon its mostly immigrant congregation since the federal government's intensified deportation efforts began in August. Over 40 parishioners have faced detention or deportation, leading to a crisis within the church community.

Since the Trump administration's immigration crackdown began, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart has seen more than 40 members detained or deported. The community is living in fear, impacting attendance at Mass and daily life. Church leaders are actively supporting affected families, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and aid during this challenging time.

WASHINGTON (PulseWire) — The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic church near the White House, once served as a sanctuary for worshippers. Now, its predominantly immigrant congregation lives under a shadow of fear.

Church leaders have reported that over 40 parishioners have been detained or deported since federal law enforcement escalated efforts in August. Many congregants are too afraid to leave their homes for Mass, groceries, or medical care.

Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, criticized the government's use of fear to strip immigrants of peace and security, referring to it as an instrument of terror. The federal crackdown that began targeting immigrant communities continues, despite an official end in September to a related surge of federal law enforcement.

The parish was founded over a century ago by Irish, Italian, and German immigrants and now serves about 5,600 members, many of whom come from El Salvador, Haiti, Brazil, and Vietnam.

Attendance at Mass has plummeted, with empty pews becoming a stark reminder of the crisis. About half the people are afraid to come, said Rev. Emilio Biosca, the church's pastor.

The church community refuses to be seen as powerless victims. During this turmoil, clergy and volunteers are supporting affected families by attending immigration court hearings, providing financial assistance, and delivering food to those afraid to venture outside.

Volunteers at Risk

During a recent gathering, parishioners dedicated a rosary to those detained. One woman spoke in fear and anonymity, sharing her husband's recent detention while they sold fruits and vegetables — their main income source. They had fled El Salvador nearly two decades ago, looking for a safer life.

Church leaders are actively involved in supporting the community. Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, a former undocumented immigrant himself, serves as a symbol of hope for the area’s Catholics. Of the recent ICE detainments, that could have been me, he said during a procession in support of migrants.

Despite the challenges, church members are determined to help each other. They gather food and essentials for those who have not left home in weeks, caring for each other in these difficult times. As people of God, we can’t just sit and watch. We have to do what we can, said a volunteer.

The Sacred Heart community, with roots deep in immigrant history, stands resilient against fear, showing commitment to solidarity, support, and care for each other in the face of adversity.