California Episcopal bishops have issued an open letter addressing the protests and unrest that followed federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, which began on June 6.
In the letter, bishops from dioceses across the state voiced concern for those who have been detained and for the broader impact on communities.
“We are concerned that military deployments will escalate the confrontations unnecessarily and worry that all of our regions in California may be subject to future deployments that heighten tensions rather than resolving them,” the bishops wrote.
The letter, published by the Episcopal News Service, included a statement from Bishop John Harvey Taylor, Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles, who posted on social media about his “deep pain and anger” after 14 members of a single Episcopal congregation in the diocese were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“People feel angry and threatened that the haven they sought in our communities is no longer safe,” the letter continued. “U.S. citizens and legal residents feel deep grief at losing beloved friends and family members. Children whose parents are deported face uncertain futures. In our churches, we strive to protect our members who are at risk.”
The bishops also cited their Baptismal Covenant, asking the Episcopal community: “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 417).
The bishops’ statement comes amid growing concern from other Christian leaders about the aggressive nature of the operation.
Speaking to NBC Los Angeles, Pastor Alfredo Lopez described witnessing a man near Downey Memorial Christian Church being surrounded by immigration officers. He and fellow senior pastor Tanya Lopez approached the agents and repeatedly asked for identification, but said the agents refused and would not leave the church parking lot.
“When we said that we don’t want this on our property, one of the agents shouted back, ‘The whole country is their property,’” Lopez said.
ICE raids began on June 6 and involved what has been described as “military-style” tactics. A total of 44 individuals were arrested for alleged immigration violations, prompting protests and confrontations with law enforcement.
Demonstrations started peacefully but escalated in intensity, leading to the enforcement of a downtown curfew.
In response to the unrest, President Trump federalized California’s National Guard, deploying an additional 2,000 troops along with 700 U.S. Marines—a rare move that critics have called an unnecessary escalation.