Los Angeles, January 29, 2026
Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles has called for compassionate immigration enforcement, urging that deportations be limited to violent offenders. He supports legislative reforms to recognize the contributions of undocumented individuals, specifically advocating for the H.R. 4393 bill. This reform aims to improve asylum processes and provide pathways to legal status for undocumented residents. The Family Assistance Program was launched to support families at risk of deportation by providing essential services. Gómez advocates for both immediate assistance and long-term recognition of immigrant contributions to the community.
Los Angeles Archbishop Advocates for Immigration Reform and Community Support
Los Angeles, CA — Archbishop José H. Gómez has urged for a more compassionate approach to immigration enforcement, particularly emphasizing the need to limit deportations to those convicted of violent crimes and serious offenses. This call for action arises during a time when communities across the nation, including Los Angeles, are experiencing heightened fear due to federal immigration enforcement policies.
In his recent column, Gómez also discussed the importance of legislative reforms that recognize the contributions of undocumented individuals to society. He expressed support for H.R. 4393, known as the “Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2025.” This proposed law aims to implement a range of reforms, including improvements to visa and asylum processes, enhanced border security measures, and a pathway to legal status for undocumented individuals who have been in the U.S. for five years or more, as well as possible citizenship for 2.5 million Dreamers.
The Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Communities
Archbishop Gómez is responding to significant distress within immigrant communities affected by recent enforcement actions. Fostering a balance between national security and humane treatment of individuals has emerged as a critical point in ongoing discussions about immigration policy. By focusing on maintaining order while championing the rights of individuals contributing positively to society, leaders like Gómez aim to reshape the narrative surrounding immigration in the U.S.
The Family Assistance Program: A Local Initiative
In light of growing concerns, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles launched the Family Assistance Program in July 2025. This initiative is dedicated to providing essential services to families who are fearful of leaving their homes due to potential deportation. Offering groceries, meal deliveries, and prescribed medications, this program has become a critical support system for vulnerable individuals and families.
Community Support and Involvement
The Family Assistance Program operates through the archdiocese’s 288 parishes in the greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. This extraordinary initiative is supported entirely by donations, showcasing the community’s commitment to aiding those in need. Prominent local business leaders and philanthropists have contributed generously, demonstrating the shared goal of fostering solidarity during challenging times.
A Call for Legislative Reform
Archbishop Gómez has called for a hearing on the proposed immigration reform legislation, urging lawmakers to consider the needs of families and communities impacted by current enforcement practices. The focus is not only on providing immediate assistance but also on creating a framework that recognizes the long-term contributions of immigrant communities to the local economy and society.
Conclusion
Archbishop Gómez’s advocacy for limiting deportations and his support for the Family Assistance Program highlight the resilience of Los Angeles’s immigrant communities and the importance of empathy in policy-making. As these discussions unfold, it remains crucial for individuals and businesses alike to engage in local efforts that uplift their communities and support economic growth by fostering a welcoming environment for all who contribute positively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Archbishop José H. Gómez’s stance on recent immigration enforcement actions?
Archbishop Gómez advocates for limiting deportations to violent criminals and emphasizes the need for legislative reforms that allow for legal status for undocumented individuals contributing positively to society.
What is the Family Assistance Program launched by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles?
The Family Assistance Program provides essential services like groceries, meals, and prescription deliveries to individuals and families unable to leave their homes due to fear of deportation, operating through 288 parishes across multiple counties.
What is H.R. 4393, the “Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act of 2025”?
H.R. 4393 is a proposed bill aimed at reforming visa and asylum processes, enhancing border security, and providing a pathway to legal status for undocumented individuals and citizenship for Dreamers. Archbishop Gómez has described it as a positive step toward addressing immigration issues.
Key Features of the Family Assistance Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Services Provided | Groceries, meals, and prescription deliveries to individuals and families unable to leave their homes due to fear of deportation. |
| Operational Area | Archdiocese’s 288 parishes across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. |
| Funding | Supported entirely by donations from individuals, business leaders, and organizations. |
| How to Contribute | Donations can be made online or at any parish, with funds directed toward communities identified as especially at risk. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Lawsuit Alleges Inhumane Conditions at Adelanto ICE Processing Center
Protests Erupt in Downtown LA Following Tragic Shooting
Los Angeles Families React to U.S. Suspension of Immigrant Visas
Santa Ana Protest Incident Leaves College Student Permanently Injured
California State Parks to Offer Free Entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Santa Ana Protester Permanently Blinded After Confrontation
California Rallies Against ICE in Wake of Fatal Shooting
HBO’s Documentary ‘Critical Incident: Death at the Border’ Provokes Debate
Mother of LA Man Killed by ICE Agent Demands Justice
Closure of DOJ Oversight for Orange County DA’s Office
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
