The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has issued a temporary dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation for Catholics who fear immigration enforcement actions. Archbishop Charles C. Thompson granted the relief on Sept. 4, allowing faithful with reasonable grounds to worry about detention or family separation to fulfill their spiritual duties through alternative means, as first reported by osvnews.com.

The decree, written in Spanish and posted to the archdiocese’s website, applies regardless of legal status. It remains in effect until Sept. 30 unless extended by further decree. Archbishop Thompson directed those using the dispensation to watch livestreamed or televised Mass, contemplate Scripture readings, and pray the rosary. Pastors are urged to attend to the spiritual needs of those using the dispensation, including sacraments of Penance, Anointing of the Sick, and Communion for the homebound.

Rising Enforcement Concerns

The archdiocese cited an increase in immigration enforcement measures causing fear and anxiety among immigrant communities. A bilingual statement noted a recent surge in immigration enforcement activity in Indiana causing family separations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data showed over 43,000 individuals apprehended in June, the highest monthly total since the start of the second Trump administration.

CBS News reported ICE is under pressure to ensure 2,000 arrests per day, though a DHS spokesperson stated no arrest quotas were assigned. ICE resumed sweeps following a brief pause after fatal shootings of Minneapolis protestors Alex Pretti and Renee Good. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the approach on July 20 as turning down media temperature while turning up heat on the streets.

National Response

Bishop Daniel E. Garcia of Austin and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria issued a joint statement in July lamenting deadly immigration enforcement encounters. Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio visited three immigration detention centers, including one in Dilley, Texas, witnessing human dignity violations. An investigation led by Sen. Jon Ossoff found more than 1,000 credible reports of human-rights abuses in immigration detention since January 2025.

A Guardian investigation published Sept. 5 revealed ICE engaged in involuntary medical procedures to force-feed 19 hunger strikers. As of July 11, 70.6% of detained migrants had no criminal convictions.