WASHINGTON — The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, situated close to the White House, was once a sanctuary for its worshippers. Yet today, its largely immigrant congregation lives shrouded in fear as federal immigration enforcement actions intensify. Church leadership has reported that over 40 parishioners have faced detention or deportation since raids began in August.
In response to the clampdown, many church members are too frightened to attend Mass or venture outside for basic necessities. The government is using fear to rob immigrants of their peace and security, said Cardinal Robert McElroy, the Archdiocese of Washington's leader. He described the heightened immigration actions as an instrument of terror.
Despite the official end of federal law enforcement actions on September 10, immigration authorities continue to operate near Sacred Heart, within a vibrant Latino neighborhood that has long been home to a succession of immigrant communities.
More than 100 years old, the parish was initially founded by Irish, Italian, and German immigrants, but today, it is predominantly composed of members from El Salvador, as well as Haiti, Brazil, and Vietnam.
Attendance at religious services has plummeted, with empty pews in the historic church now mirroring the fear in the community. The Rev. Emilio Biosca noted that fear has led to a drastic drop in attendance—about half the people are afraid to come. However, the community refuses to be merely victims; they have begun to mobilize support systems for affected families, including attending immigration court proceedings and offering essential assistance such as legal fees and food deliveries.
Our role has changed dramatically, and we can’t continue as business as usual, Biosca stated. In a show of solidarity, volunteers dedicated a rosary to detained congregants. Many congregants pray via Zoom as they stay indoors to avoid the risk of arrest.
Among them is a woman grieving her husband’s detention while they sold produce from their stand, their primary source of income. Now, with the support of the church, she prepares to relocate to Boston to stay with family while her husband confronts the possibility of deportation from a Louisiana detention center.
Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, himself an immigrant from El Salvador, has become a powerful symbol for many of the parish's Latino members. Having experienced a similar journey, he stated, That could have been me. He joined the congregation in advocating for migrants, emphasizing that the church must provide support even as it respects national borders.
Nevertheless, the pressures from Immigration and Customs Enforcement have created a ripple effect that threatens the very fabric of many immigrant families. School principals reported families withdrawing their children to avoid possible detentions during drop-offs.
Clergy from Sacred Heart have actively participated in court hearings, and community volunteers have organized food deliveries for those who fear stepping outside. One congregant observed, As people of God, we can’t just sit and watch; we must do what we can.
