Key Takeaways
- On January 21, 2025, ICE was permitted to conduct arrests at sensitive locations like schools, churches, and religious facilities.
- The Diocese of Little Rock educates immigrant families about rights through “Know Your Rights” programs and prepares communities for ICE interactions.
- Catholic Charities of Arkansas emphasizes emergency plans, including childcare arrangements, power of attorney, and document organization for vulnerable families.
The Diocese of Little Rock is undertaking meaningful actions to support immigrants and ensure they are informed about their legal rights when dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These efforts come as federal immigration policies undergo significant changes, causing distress among immigrant communities. Through this initiative, the diocese acknowledges the critical role of information, community support, and legal preparedness in addressing the challenges faced by many immigrants, including those undocumented.
Recent Policy Shifts and Their Effects
Federal policies related to immigration enforcement have changed notably. On January 21, 2025, the Trump administration announced a reversal of its previous practice by allowing ICE officers to conduct arrests at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and religious facilities. Previously, such areas were broadly considered off-limits to enforcement activities. This policy change heightens concern among many immigrants, as sensitive locations traditionally offered reassurance of safety.
In response to this policy change, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of the Little Rock Diocese swiftly affirmed his solidarity with immigrant families. In his January 23, 2025, statement, Bishop Taylor called for a compassionate and community-driven approach to alleviate fear and protect vulnerable populations. With over one-third of Catholics in Arkansas celebrating Mass in Spanish at 43 parishes, this issue directly impacts a significant portion of the Diocese’s congregation. As a result, the diocese has acted with urgency and intention to address these growing concerns.
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Communities
A key component of the Diocese’s response is to equip immigrants with essential knowledge about their rights through collaboration with Catholic Charities of Arkansas. Understanding one’s rights when approached by ICE can make a significant difference to individuals and their families. These “Know Your Rights” initiatives help educate immigrant communities on what to do during interactions with ICE agents, while also clarifying common misconceptions.
To further this mission, church leaders, particularly Deacon Matt Glover, chancellor for canonical affairs, circulated detailed protocols to their parochial schools and parishes. These guidelines aim to prepare educators, clergy, and lay leaders on how to appropriately manage any visits or interactions with ICE officials. By preparing parishes and Catholic schools across the Diocese of Little Rock, the church has created a coordinated response.
Additionally, Sister Mickey Espinoza, MCP, director of the Hispanic Ministry Office, has taken a hands-on role in bridging immigrant communities with resources from Catholic Charities of Arkansas. Sister Espinoza stresses the importance of clear communication and works to counter misleading information that often circulates on social media. Such outreach efforts are crucial to easing widespread fears and ensuring families base their decisions on factual information.
Contributions of Catholic Immigration Services
Catholic Immigration Services, an integral part of the support network, addresses immigration hardships by offering legal advice and practical tips for navigating enforcement actions. Matthew Phillips, an immigration specialist, has actively scheduled presentations to educate immigrants about proactive measures they can take to guard against potential legal risks. These presentations cover fundamental topics, including:
- What rights individuals have when interacting with ICE or police.
- How to recognize valid versus invalid warrants.
- The importance of avoiding behavior that might put someone’s immigration status at risk.
Such sessions offer residents valuable guidance and encouragement to prepare for unpredictable circumstances. The added reassurance provided by Catholic Immigration Services highlights the Diocese’s mission of both care and advocacy.
Helping Families Prepare for Emergencies
The Diocese understands that fear of detention or deportation can have devastating effects on families. To address this, Dennis Lee, director of Catholic Charities of Arkansas, has created an emergency preparedness plan that focuses on safeguarding families. Key recommendations for families include preparing contingency measures, such as:
- Arranging for temporary childcare in case parents are detained.
- Drafting power of attorney documents to ensure trusted individuals can take care of family matters.
- Organizing important documents, such as birth certificates and legal papers, in a safe and easily accessible place.
These efforts emphasize planning ahead, which can ease the immediate burdens families may face during enforcement actions. This practical preparation aligns with the Diocese’s broader commitment to empowering immigrant communities.
A Church Serving As a Place of Comfort
While the Diocese of Little Rock has not formally declared its parishes as “sanctuary spaces,” the church has preserved its guiding principle to support immigrants in meaningful ways. Congregations like Mosaic Church in Little Rock exemplify this supportive spirit. Pastor Mark DeYmaz and Senior Pastor Harry Li led a training session on February 6, 2025, emphasizing safety measures for assisting immigrant families attending church services. Their planning includes assigning specific points of contact within the church to manage unforeseen visits from ICE. They also offer tangible help, such as notarizing power of attorney documents for families and ensuring children in need are cared for during moments of crisis.
By prioritizing leadership training and extending hospitality to immigrant members, the church upholds its responsibility to be a safe and welcoming community, especially at a time when many feel vulnerable.
Challenges Faced by the Community
The effects of these policy changes go beyond legal concerns, touching deeply on human dignity and emotional well-being. The fear among immigrant communities is palpable. Aaron and Pamela Velazquez, pastors who serve the Hispanic congregation at Mosaic Church, note that many families are reluctant to leave their homes. For some, even essential activities like commuting to work or attending church services feel fraught with risk.
Additionally, Roberto Martinez, a respected member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, sheds light on economic implications. Industries such as agriculture, construction, and poultry processing rely heavily on immigrant labor in Arkansas. Large-scale deportations would hinder these industries and create economic difficulties for the state. Martinez calls for policies that not only address criminal activity but also respect the contributions of immigrants who are deeply tied to local communities and economies.
Balancing Faith and Policy
Balancing faith-based efforts with the challenges posed by political policies is no small task. Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, who leads Catholic Immigration Services and the Refugee Resettlement Office, encourages Catholics to prioritize their Church’s teachings over political disagreements. Verkamp-Ruthven’s commentary reflects an essential truth: immigration issues transcend political identities and necessitate a commitment to serving human needs.
The Diocese of Little Rock continues to navigate these complexities by anchoring its actions in the fundamental values of solidarity, compassion, and justice—a testament to their dedication to human rights.
Looking to the Future
As federal and local immigration policies evolve, the Diocese of Little Rock remains committed to promoting solutions that reflect their mission of care and inclusion. By collaborating with Catholic Charities of Arkansas, providing education through Catholic Immigration Services, and offering parish-level support, the church has become a trusted source of stability for the immigrant community.
Moving forward, the Diocese’s priority will be to continue to assess the shifting landscape of immigration enforcement while updating resources to empower families. This collective effort underscores the Diocese’s belief that all individuals deserve dignity, regardless of immigration status.
For those seeking further information about immigration policy or programs designed to assist immigrants, comprehensive resources can be found through the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It serves as an authoritative platform for legal documentation, procedural guidelines, and current updates.
In these challenging times, the Diocese of Little Rock demonstrates that beyond providing spiritual guidance, the church can serve as a lifeline for immigrant families. By addressing the evolving needs of diverse parishioners, the Diocese sends a clear message: no member of the Catholic family in Arkansas is alone in facing these difficulties. Whether by offering knowledge, practical solutions, or emotional support, the church remains steadfast in its commitment to the values of compassion and justice.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including arrests, detention, and deportation of undocumented individuals.
Sensitive Locations → Places like schools, churches, and hospitals traditionally considered off-limits for immigration enforcement activities under previous policies.
Power of Attorney → A legal document granting someone authority to act on behalf of another person in specific or broad matters.
Sanctuary Spaces → Locations or practices where undocumented individuals are provided protection or safety from immigration enforcement actions.
Know Your Rights Initiatives → Programs educating individuals on their legal rights during interactions with immigration or law enforcement agencies.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Diocese of Little Rock empowers immigrants amid shifting U.S. immigration policies, fostering hope through education and support. Collaborating with Catholic Charities, they teach “Know Your Rights” protocols, provide emergency planning tools, and offer legal guidance. Rooted in compassion and justice, the church remains a sanctuary of dignity for vulnerable communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Mexico’s bishops call for unity as church aids deported migrants in crisis
• Religious Employers Struggle as Green Card Changes Cause Delays
• Cardinal McElroy Leads Catholic Pushback on Immigration Policies
• Michigan Catholic Bishops Call for Humane Support of Undocumented Families
• Catholic Church Lawsuit Over U.S. Visa Restrictions
