FRESNO, California — Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Diocese of Fresno said immigration raids in California’s Central Valley are producing unrest, anxiety and fear, after priests reported that parishioners had been taken away with little or no information from federal agents.

“It breaks my heart,” Brennan said, describing reports from pastors about affected parishes. He said he had contacted priests, interfaith partners and advocacy organizations about supporting people impacted by enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have not announced a specific operation targeting California or the Central Valley. Local media have reported increased enforcement in recent weeks.

A DHS spokesperson declined to confirm a California operation and said ICE does not disclose or discuss law-enforcement operations. The department defended immigration enforcement and called ICE officers heroes.

“To most Americans our ICE officers are heroes as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists,” the spokesperson said.

DHS provided five California arrests involving people it identified as public-safety threats. The listed offenses were vehicular manslaughter, aggravated assault with a gun, burglary, homicide and selling drugs.

Brennan’s concerns come after the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted 216-5 during its 2025 Fall Plenary Assembly to approve a special message opposing indiscriminate mass deportation.

The Fresno bishop said the Church would accompany vulnerable neighbors and would not remain silent. He also called for “real change, real reform and meaningful, just immigration reform.”