September 3, 2025

Logan Heights Community Unites Over Immigration Detentions

News Summary

The Logan Heights community gathered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to address rising immigration detentions under recent policies. The special Mass aimed to show support for families affected by these actions, highlighting personal stories of struggle and solidarity. As fear grips the community, church leaders stress the importance of safety and continued unity amidst increasing ICE interventions. The event is a poignant reminder of the emotional toll immigration policies take on families and the collective strength needed to support one another during such challenging times.

Logan Heights, California – Community Mourns Amid Rising Immigration Detentions

A special Mass held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Logan Heights addressed the growing anxiety surrounding immigration detentions in the Trump era. The service, led by Rev. Scott Santarosa, aimed to show solidarity with immigrant communities facing uncertainty due to increasing crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Many parishioners raised their hands when asked if they knew someone who had been detained or deported, highlighting the pervasive impact of these policies on families in the community.

The backdrop to this gathering includes the intensified actions of ICE, which announced that anyone found violating immigration laws could face arrest and detention, irrespective of any criminal background. The ramifications of such policies are evident in San Diego County, where numerous family members, friends, and co-workers have either disappeared into immigration custody or been forcibly deported.

Personal Stories of Struggle

One parishioner, identified as Lupita, shared her harrowing experience following her husband’s abrupt deportation to Mexico. The incident occurred while the couple was shopping for church supplies; immigration agents arrested him and deported him within hours. Although Lupita had discussed the possibility of deportation with her family, the sudden realization of this grim reality was overwhelming. Following her husband’s deportation, she altered her daily routines due to fear and anxiety about her status and the welfare of her five children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Lupita’s husband has since returned to Mexico City, where he operates a small restaurant, but the separation continues to weigh heavily on their family.

Another parishioner, Etelvina, recounted the struggles she has faced since her husband was also deported. After more than 20 years in the U.S. without any previous criminal incidents, she now grapples with the financial strain of managing expenses alone. The emotional toll has left her family reeling from the loss of their primary economic support.

In a similar situation, Deisy Mendoza became the sole caretaker for her younger siblings after both of her parents were detained by ICE. Having lived in the country for over two decades with no criminal record, Mendoza is now forced to balance work and family responsibilities at a young age, further emphasizing the prevailing distress within immigrant families impacted by these policies.

Victor Varela Avila’s experience adds to this narrative. He was detained at the San Francisco airport while returning from a visit with his son in Japan due to a past DUI and a misdemeanor drug conviction. His daughter expressed her anguish over witnessing her father’s detention, underscoring the emotional ramifications of such actions on family members who have otherwise adhered to residency requirements for many years.

Church Response and Community Safety

In response to the increasing ICE actions in California, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church has instituted new security measures to protect its parishioners, including securing doors during services. These measures reflect the urgent need to create a safe environment for all attendees. Rev. Santarosa highlighted the importance of allowing parishioners to continue attending church without the looming fear of detention or deportation hanging over their heads.

The community’s collective concerns are mirrored by videos circulating on social media that document confrontations between ICE agents and individuals, acting as a catalyst for discussions about the justice of these detentions. Recently, a federal judge in Los Angeles issued a temporary restraining order that could potentially disrupt the government’s mass deportation plans, providing a glimmer of hope for immigrant families grappling with uncertainty.

Conclusion

The special Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church serves as both a reminder of the struggles faced by immigrant families and a call for unity and support within the Logan Heights community. As families continue to navigate the challenges of rising immigration detentions, the church seeks to offer solace, safety, and a strong sense of solidarity among its parishioners.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

ICE Detains Father Near San Diego Elementary School
ICE Detains Parent Near Elementary School, Causing Community Alarm
Chula Vista Parent Arrested by ICE Near Elementary School
Concerns Rise After ICE Raid at San Diego Restaurant
Bishop Pham Leads Interfaith Support for Immigrants in San Diego
Trump Administration Breached Immigration Settlement in San Diego
Increased ICE Enforcement in San Diego Courthouses Raises Concerns
Concerns Arise Over ICE Detentions Outside San Diego Shelters

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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