Immigration Update

In light of current events and concerns expressed by parishes of news reports and rumors of ongoing immigration raids and actions that may impact our immigrant communities, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Government & Community Relations has been in dialogue with the Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) to be able to provide the Archdiocese with information regarding on the activities that are being undertaken.

A representative from the federal agency has informed the Archdiocese that despite what has been reported by the media today, apart from the raids that occurred last week, ICE has not conducted any raids today in workplaces, restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, schools or churches. At this time, it is ICE’s objective to apprehend individuals who are not authorized to be in the country, have criminal backgrounds and have been specifically ordered for removal. ICE may detain individuals who are not authorized to be in the country should they be present during an apprehension.

The Archdiocese will continue to monitor the situation so that the most accurate information can be provided. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Government and Community Relations at (213) 637-7329.

In order to continue to serve our immigrant communities and help our faithful on this issue, the Office of Government and Community Relations and the Office of Life, Justice and Peace have created a special webpage that contains important resources for parishes, families and individuals. On this page: archla.org/immigration and below you will find resources to help you learn more about the issues and resources that you can share with your community and in communicating with your elected officials.

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Come, Holy Spirit, be our Light.
Shine upon our shadowed hearts.
Warm and change us from within.

Come, Spirit, make your home in us.
Grow us to be our very best
And show us how to practice love.

Come, Spirit, to comfort and console.
Heal the wounded. Calm our dread.
Soothe us when we grieve or ache.

Come, Spirit, energize our being.
Help us to live as Jesus taught.
Lead us in work and prayer and play.

O Holy Spirit, Fire of Love,
Spirit of wisdom and insight,
Direct our lives and guide our ways.