Los Angeles Archdiocese launches aid program for immigrant families in crisis

CNA Staff, Jul 24, 2025 / 13:05 pm (CNA).

Archbishop José H. Gómez has announced a new initiative of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to support parishes in providing essential services to immigrant families affected by recent immigration enforcement policies. 

The archdiocese will partner with area businesses and philanthropists to administer the Family Assistance Program, which will ensure that “every dollar” will provide direct aid such as groceries, meals, and prescription deliveries to those in crisis.

“Many of our friends and family, our neighbors and fellow parishioners, are afraid and anxious,” said Gómez, who unveiled the new program at a press conference at St. Patrick Church in South Los Angeles on July 23. “These are good, hardworking men and women, people of faith, people who have been in this country for a long time and are making important contributions to our economy who are now afraid to go to work or be seen in public for fear that they will get arrested and be deported.” 

At the press conference, the archbishop said he is working with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to “find a practical, peaceful solution to the situation with the federal authorities.”

Residents of the city have been on edge after weeks of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids by heavily armed agents at area businesses. A federal judge in Los Angeles temporarily blocked ICE’s actions on July 11 after local business leaders and civil and immigrants’ rights groups sued the Trump administration on July 2.

The Catholic Association for Latino Leadership (CALL) and Parishioners Federal Credit Union have donated funds to the archdiocesan initiative, along with Vallarta Supermarkets, a chain of grocery stores that specializes in Mexican food, which has pledged to donate grocery gift cards to the program.

“Never in my life did I think that I would see the day where Catholics are afraid to go to church, afraid to send their children to school,” said Michael Molina, chair of CALL’s board of directors, who announced the organization of local business leaders will make a $10,000 donation to the program. He also said the group will encourage its members to make individual donations.

“As Catholics, we are called to share God’s mercy with those in need,” Molina said. “We reiterate our commitment to live the teachings of the Gospels of love and compassion for our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

Former Los Angeles mayoral candidate and businessman Rick Caruso donated $50,000 to the initiative and committed to matching additional donations up to $50,000 made through the archdiocese’s website.

“I am proud to help support these families who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy,” Caruso, a parishioner of St. Monica’s Church in Santa Monica, said. “America is a nation of immigrants, which is why I am teaming up with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to provide direct support for families that are struggling financially.”

The CEO of the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company, David Socha, made a financial contribution and donated toys to comfort children affected by the Trump administration’s enforcement actions.

“We can’t forget the human aspect of these issues,” Socha said. “No matter what side of this issue you are on, the children are some of the worst affected … We are glad to be able to bring them, and their loved ones, comfort and support.”

Across Southern California, Catholic parishes have witnessed the impact of family separations, with parents detained and households left without income. Many immigrants fear leaving their homes, getting arrested, and being separated from their families.

The bishop of San Bernardino, California, Alberto Rojas, recently granted a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday for those with such fears.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/265527/los-angeles-archdiocese-launches-aid-program-for-immigrant-families-in-crisis