On Aug. 24, Michael E. Russell posted on behalf of a priest and personal childhood friend about what he described as a “disturbing” incident earlier that day at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart Church in downtown Washington, D.C.
“Over 70 uniformed police officers and federal agents were stationed at the intersection of 16th Street and Park Road, just outside the church, intimidating and stopping Latino Catholics on their way to Mass,” he wrote.
The raid occurred just days after President Donald Trump — who vowed to crack down on illegal immigration during his 2024 presidential campaign — declared a crime emergency in August, giving him control of the Metropolitan Police Department for 30 days. The order allowed him to deploy hundreds of National Guard members across the city.
Sacred Heart is one of the most striking Catholic churches in the nation’s capital, featuring a large, domed Byzantine-style design inspired by Italian architecture. Beyond its beauty, it has long been known throughout Latin and Central America as a place of welcome for immigrants and refugees.
The parish was founded more than 100 years ago by Irish, Italian, and German immigrants. Today, roughly 5,600 members come from El Salvador, Haiti, Brazil, and Vietnam, according to the Associated Press.
But since Trump’s second term began, church leaders say the atmosphere has shifted, with many worshippers now afraid to enter the church.
Leaders told the outlet that more than 40 members of their parish alone have been detained, deported, or both since the federal government increased law enforcement presence throughout the region.
Still, the church remains steadfast in its support of parishioners and immigrants. Pastors and volunteers reportedly attend immigration court hearings, cover rent and legal fees, and deliver food to those afraid to leave their homes.
“Our role here at the church has changed, also dramatically,” Father Emilio Biosca said. “Because we have so many people who are adversely affected by that situation, we cannot possibly go on as business as usual.”
Since the rise in immigration raids, the Catholic Church has condemned such actions. During the Catholic Charities USA network's 115th Annual Meeting, Pope Leo XIV called immigrants “agents of hope” and urged the network to “persevere in their work” to recognize Christ in the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and all those in need.
“Through providing food, shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and many other gestures of kindness,” he wrote, “Catholic Charities affiliates across the United States show what Pope Francis often referred to as God’s ‘style’ of closeness, compassion, and tenderness.”