In response to the mass deportations that have been ripping away immigrant communities, countless Angelenos gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels Catholic church in Downtown Los Angeles (LA) on Sunday, Sept. 21– demonstrating their community’s strength and resilience.
The city of LA is known to be the “melting pot” in regards to its highly diverse population and its embrace of all cultures that can be distinguished from one street to the next. But the recent Immigrant and Custom Enforcement (ICE) efforts, under the Trump Administration, has progressively stripped the city’s vibrancy through invoking fear and anxiety among these multi-cultural atmospheres.
As Hispanics/Latinos have been shown to be at high-risk of ICE arrests, LA has become a ghost town– being that they make up the largest ethnic group in the city. In return, city-wide demonstrations, school walkouts, and online resistance have erupted since Feb. 2025 to protest the intensified prejudice and mistreatment against the race.
Located in the heart of LA, the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels hosts an annual Mass In Recognition of All Immigrants, as of 2013, that honors the immigrant journey and emphasizes the conversation of immigration reform. In acknowledging the Hispanic/Latino immigrant identification with Catholicism, the Cathedral advocates for their justice through faith and prayer.
This year’s annual mass, and celebration of World Day of Migrants, was led by Archbishop José H. Gomez in English and Spanish, and joined by priests from the Dioceses of Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego, including two others who’d flown in from Belize and Chicago. The people of LA showed out in support of their community as each pew was occupied by families, students, nuns, ministers, religious groups from different parishes, among others. A pamphlet of choir songs was handed out to each person entering the Cathedral to engage them with the service.
Archbishop Gomez presented the Mass under a light that spotlighted the climate of today’s immigration system, acknowledging that “We gathered in a time of fear,”. His sermon not only called for immigration reform, but preached the significance of loving our brothers and sisters.
“Let’s open our hearts,” said Archbishop Gomez. “Especially for the ones suffering and in need.”
Nearing the end of the Mass, Deacon Tony Luna shared his story of being an immigrant in Los Angeles as a testimony to his mission in offering help and support to others today. “Jesus always has a plan for us,” he said. “He had a plan for me, and he has a plan for you too.”
The Deacon spoke words of endearment and hope to the immigrants who were present at the Mass, despite the fear of an unprovoked ICE raid, saying: “To those who are undocumented, do not be afraid, have faith…trust the lord and pray, because this will have an end.”
He then addressed the youth about the ways they can offer a helping hand to immigrants who are being subjected to unlawful detainments, arrests and violence in today’s society.
“You can help people like me because right now, what is happening with immigration, there’s a lot of people…that are living in the dark and afraid,” said Deacon Luna. “You can do so much to help people. You have all the time and power to help,”
As a child of immigrants, David Ochoa from a local South Central church called Presentation of Mary, felt honored to represent both the youth and his family heritage at Mass.
“I come from a Hispanic family, a Mexican family, for me being present and being able to represent my parents’ lineage, where they came from– su raza, it means a lot to me,” said Ochoa. “Being able to stand up for who can’t come outside in fear due to the ICE raids and how bad it’s becoming– it means a lot.”
Provided on the back of the Mass In Recognition of All Immigrants choir pamphlet, are available resources for any impacted by the immigration system– through the LA Archdiocese Office of immigration Affairs at: (213) 637-7820 or Immigration@la-archdiocese.org.
