January 14, 2025

Written By: The Most Rev. Joseph V. Brennan D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno 
Submitted to: 

• READ: The Fresno Bee
• READ: The Bakersfield Californian 
• GV Wire 
• READ: San Joaquin Valley Sun

It was just a little over a month ago that we Catholic Christians celebrated a very important day of celebration within our Latino and specifically Mexican community, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On that day all of the Roman Catholic Bishops here in the State of California, myself included, issued a brief statement entitled, Am I not here, I who am your mother?  That title is attributed to words spoken by Our Lady to Juan Diego, the other key character in the Guadalupe event, who was in need of comfort while dealing with his own doubts and fears. Our statement was directed toward some of our brothers and sisters today who are also dealing with much fear as a result of their immigration status. It was also directed toward those who might be the cause of such fear, not to mention still others who may be able to do something about it. 
 
Our statement was issued at a most opportune moment and prophetically speaks about Challenges that may arise that are not yet clear. It seems as if some of those challenges have in fact made themselves all too clear now, especially given what has recently happened in and around Kern County and other areas of our Central Valley. The Border Patrol has been present and active in our Valley. I saw them myself, patrolling along the 99 corridor, in several of our neighborhoods, in our fields of harvest and outside places of business. It seemed as if we took a step back as a society, and the old days of immigration sweeps were upon us once again. Our people are being asked to produce proof of citizenship, and it seems as if the request is based on how they look and how they speak. That is not, by way of example, going after hardened criminals or drug dealers which, I hope, none of us would take exception to. It is going after people who, rightly or wrongly, were allowed to cross a border and who are now being subjected to tactics that are causing much fear and anxiety among my people. It is an insult to human dignity, and it is simply wrong. 
 
I, and my fellow Bishops along with other community partners here in the Central Valley, will continue to serve as trusted resources for those in need of assistance or who simply need to have some questions answered in these difficult and for some, dangerous times. In fact, a preliminary list of resources may be found at www.cacatholic.org/immigration.     
 
Let me conclude with another quote from our bishops’ document which, although directed to our parishes and Catholic community really applies and appeals to us all: 
 
The disarray at our border cannot be allowed to continue. We pray with you that any enacted policies restore a sense of security and peace for citizens as well as those seeking to find a home in this blessed land. To achieve that end, policies must reflect empathy and solicitude, with due regard for the rights of children and those fleeing violent and impoverished countries, while ceasing to provide respite for serious offenders. 
 
I believe that this is something we could all agree upon and something we can all work toward.  

Bishop Brennan addresses mass deportations with ABC30

Immigration Enforcement of Protected Areas

On January 21, 2025, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive rescinding, in its entirety, the 2021 Memorandum on Guidelines for Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas. No new related guidance has been published publicly by the Department at this time. Therefore, much of the information is now for historical reference purposes only. Just as the prior guidance did not entirely prevent civil immigration enforcement from occurring in or near protected areas, the revocation of this guidance does not necessarily mean enforcement is now certain to occur in or near such areas.

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Social Teaching on Immigration 

The subject of immigration is politically divisive in our nation, and it has often been a point of contention throughout American history. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church has long been at the forefront of efforts to welcome immigrants to the United States and promote their successful integration. Recently, these realities have collided, producing a rise in hostility from a limited number of public officials, media outlets, and private organizations toward the longstanding migration-related ministries of the Church. This resource, while not comprehensive in nature or responsive to every aspect of the immigration debate, seeks to address some common misconceptions and questions regarding the Church’s role in serving migrants and refugees, as well as the ways in which Catholic social teaching applies to these issues. It also discusses the work of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in this area.

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Catholic Charities 

Catholic Charities is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Fresno. Through its ministry of social service, our Catholic Charities works to feed, clothe and heal all of those in need regardless of their religious background or citizenship status. Additionally Catholic Charities offers Immigration services. Providing compassionate guidance and assistance through every step of the immigration process from legal consultations to document preparation.

Immigration Services - Catholic Charities

Social Services 

Fieles y Preparados: Un plan de Preparación Para las Familias

READ HERE