The imposing Shrine of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic church located just a short drive from the White House, was originally intended to be a sanctuary for worshippers. However, today it stands as a place marked by fear for its mostly immigrant congregation.
Church leaders report that more than 40 members of their parish have been detained, deported, or both since federal law enforcement increased their presence in August. This escalation has had a profound impact on the community.
Many parishioners now live in constant fear, often too scared to leave their homes to attend Mass, buy food, or seek medical care. The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has deeply affected these communities, turning what was once a place of refuge into one overshadowed by anxiety and uncertainty.
https://www.realclearreligion.org/2025/10/27/immigration_crackdown_stokes_fear_solidarity_at_catholic_church_in_dc_1143459.html
