San Diego Catholic Charities Mobilizing Resistance to ICE Arrests
Presentation by Appaswamy Vino Pajanor, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Charities of San Diego, Center for Migration Studies, March 13 2025 (edited transcript).
Introduction Catholic Charities of San Diego, part of the larger Caritas network, is dedicated to humanitarian aid and social justice. Rooted in Christian teachings, the organization assists individuals regardless of their faith or background. In response to increasing immigration enforcement, Catholic Charities has taken proactive measures to support and protect migrant communities.
Background and Context
- Catholic Charities in San Diego operates within the Diocese of San Diego, covering both San Diego and Imperial counties.
- The organization responds to humanitarian needs, whether disasters, hunger, or displacement.
- In 2021, California approached Catholic Charities to assist migrants released by Border Patrol and ICE, leading to the development of large-scale relief efforts.
Formation of the Immigration Task Force
- In December 2024, Cardinal McElroy established an Immigration Task Force to guide the diocese’s response to increasing immigration challenges.
- The goals of the task force include:
- Showing solidarity with immigrant communities.
- Producing and distributing resources to inform and support immigrants.
- Educating parishioners and the broader community on Catholic social teachings regarding immigration.
Strategic Response to ICE Enforcement
- Real-Time Information Access
- The organization created two websites: org (English) and plantheemergency.org (Spanish) to provide up-to-date information.
- A QR code system was developed for quick access to legal rights and emergency contacts.
- Over 100,000 resource cards were printed and distributed across parishes.
- Education and Training for Religious Leaders
- Workshops were organized to educate parish leaders, business managers, and school principals on legal rights and best practices.
- Training sessions included how to handle ICE subpoenas, legal search parameters, and constitutional protections.
- Community Outreach and Know-Your-Rights Workshops
- Virtual and in-person “Know Your Rights” workshops were launched to educate both documented and undocumented individuals.
- Sessions were held in safe environments such as church sanctuaries and post-mass gatherings to foster trust and comfort.
- These initiatives reinforce the belief that churches are spaces of refuge and dignity.
- Visible Solidarity and Support
- Following Pope Francis’ emphasis on visible accompaniment, Catholic Charities leaders actively engage with affected communities.
- The organization fosters reassurance that no one is alone in facing these challenges.
- Personal testimonies highlight the ongoing risks, even for documented individuals, reinforcing the importance of the advocacy work.
Conclusion Catholic Charities of San Diego remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations amid shifting immigration policies. Through strategic planning, real-time resource distribution, community education, and advocacy, the organization stands firm in its mission to uphold human dignity, justice, and compassion.