Fresno Bishop Joseph V. Brennan criticized immigration enforcement operations in the Central Valley, saying parishioners have been detained. He promises church support for affected families. (GV Wire File)
- Fresno Bishop Joseph Brennan says increased ICE enforcement has sparked fear among Central Valley parishioners.
- Brennan said priests reported parishioners detained abruptly, with little information provided by federal immigration agents.
- The diocese pledges legal accompaniment, court support, transportation, childcare and advocacy for meaningful immigration reform.
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Bishop Joseph V. Brennan of the Diocese of Fresno is speaking out against increased immigration enforcement in the Central Valley, saying the operations have created fear among residents and resulted in the detention of members of local Catholic congregations.
“Once again, the presence of ICE in our neighborhoods has caused considerable unrest, anxiety and even fear throughout the Central Valley.” — Bishop Joseph V. Brennan
In a letter to parishoners, Brennan expressed concern over the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Valley neighborhoods, describing the impact on immigrant families and calling for meaningful immigration reform.
“Once again, the presence of ICE in our neighborhoods has caused considerable unrest, anxiety and even fear throughout the Central Valley,” Brennan wrote.
The bishop said he has been working with priests, interfaith leaders, and advocacy organizations to identify ways to assist families affected by immigration enforcement.
Sweeps Show Little Regard for Human Dignity
“It breaks my heart to hear from some of my pastors that members of their congregations have been taken away abruptly and with little or no information coming from federal agents,” Brennan wrote.
He said those detained are not strangers but neighbors, family members, and parishioners who have spent years building their lives in the region.
Brennan also questioned the nature of recent enforcement operations, saying they appear increasingly indiscriminate and show little regard for human dignity.
The bishop’s letter comes days after an ICE agent was charged in Fresno with assault, battery, elder abuse, and vandalism following an alleged attack involving two homeowners.
David Gonzalez III, 32, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the charges. Brennan did not directly address that case in his letter.
Diocese Pledges Support for Immigrant Families
Brennan said the Catholic Church would take an active role in assisting immigrants and their families, including helping them navigate legal proceedings, attending immigration court hearings, and arranging transportation and childcare.
“We will not be silent,” Brennan wrote.
He said parishes would continue providing emotional and spiritual support while advocating for those affected by immigration enforcement.
The bishop also cited a statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposing indiscriminate mass deportations and expressing concern for families separated by immigration enforcement.
Bishop: US Needs Immigration Reform
Brennan called on elected officials to pursue meaningful immigration reform that respects human dignity.
“Our country and our elected officials must do better,” he wrote. “We need tangible results that reflect meaningful and just immigration reform.”
Despite the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, Brennan encouraged Catholics to remain united, treat others with compassion, and avoid further division.
“We are in this together,” Brennan concluded.
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