Pope Leo Inspires LA Archbishop to Deliver Meals and Medicine Amid ICE Raids

Inspired by Pope Leo’s vision of mercy, Archbishop Gomez is leading an effort to bring meals, groceries, and prescriptions to families hiding from ICE raids.

Archbishop Gomez has been heavily critical of the Trump-Vance Administration’s deportation raids in the Los Angeles community.

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The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles is stepping up as a beacon of compassion in a time of fear.

Inspired by Pope Leo, Archbishop José H. Gomez announced a new donation-funded Family Assistance Program to deliver hot meals, groceries, and prescription medicines to immigrant parishioners too afraid to leave their homes amid ongoing ICE raids.

In a statement, Gomez emphasized that the immigrants being targeted are “good, hardworking men and women” who contribute greatly to our economy and communities.

“Now they are afraid to go to work or be seen in public for fear that they will get arrested and be deported,” the Archbishop lamented.

For the largest Catholic community in the country — some 4 million Catholics across 288 parishes in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties — this initiative is a lifeline.

Standing Up to Fear and Injustice

What’s happening in Southern California is part of a broader confrontation between Catholic values and harsh immigration policies.

Bishops in the United States have been standing toe-to-toe against President Trump on immigration since day one of his administration.

In an open letter issued shortly after Trump’s inauguration for a new term, the late Pope Francis sharply criticized the mass deportation crackdown, warning that policies “built on the basis of force… will end badly”.

The pope urged Americans “not to give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering” to migrants.

Catholic leaders across the country — from California to the Vatican — share a united stance: enforcement-only approaches that sow fear in our communities are incompatible with our faith’s call to protect the vulnerable.

In fact, one Southern California bishop, Alberto Rojas, took the extraordinary step of telling undocumented parishioners they could stay home from Sunday Mass rather than risk arrest by ICE agents staking out churches.

It’s a sad day in America when families fear even worshiping God, but the Church is responding with extraordinary pastoral care and moral courage.

Faith in Action and How to Help

I find hope in how the Los Angeles church is meeting this crisis with concrete action and love. The new Family Assistance Program is tapping into existing parish ministries that already serve homebound seniors — now refocused to aid immigrant families living in dread of a knock on the door.

The response has been powerful: local Catholics and even business leaders have rallied in support.

Prominent donor Rick Caruso kicked in $50,000 and pledged to match another $50,000, while Catholic groups and companies have contributed food, funds, and even teddy bears for children traumatized by the raids.

This solidarity shows the true face of the Church — one that “shares God’s mercy with those in need,” as a lay leader in L.A. put it. We are called to “love the stranger” and welcome them, not to turn a blind eye when our neighbors are in peril.

If you feel moved to support this compassionate effort, you can donate to the Archdiocese’s Family Assistance Program — every dollar goes directly to helping families affected by the raids.

Jesus’ command in Matthew 25 to feed the hungry and care for the least among us is coming alive in Los Angeles today.

In a time of fear, the Church is answering with faith and love. And that is something truly worthy of praise.

Letters from Leo is 100% sustained by your generosity. If you find value in my work, please consider supporting me by becoming a paid subscriber today.

Paid subscriptions start at only $6.67 per month and will get you full access to the ongoing Fath and the Democratic Party essays and this multi-part series on the life and formation of Pope Leo. The third part of that series was released Monday.

Do you prefer a one-time gift? Donate here instead of subscribing.

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