A Catholic parish in Minnesota is grappling with fear, diminished Mass attendance, and questions about religious liberty after federal immigration agents were seen monitoring church property during a Sunday liturgy, according to EWTN News.
Parishioners at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church say anxiety has grown since the December deportation of longtime maintenance worker Francisco Paredes, a member of the parish community for years. The situation intensified when Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were observed outside the church during Epiphany weekend, prompting concerns about intimidation and the free exercise of religion.
Father Paul Haverstock, pastor of the parish, told EWTN News that he was preparing for the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass on Jan. 4 when he was alerted to masked individuals sitting in a vehicle outside the church. “If there is an incident of agents coming in, I want to make sure that it’s recorded, and I want a clear recording of me letting the agents know that we’re in the middle of a religious service,” he said, explaining why he placed his cellphone near him in the sanctuary.
Although agents did not enter the church, Father Haverstock said their presence alone had a chilling effect. “Who wouldn’t feel intimidated by that?” he said, adding that it felt like “a violation of our constitutional rights” and likening the atmosphere to “a war zone,” according to EWTN News.
The Trump administration eliminated a federal policy last year that generally restricted immigration enforcement actions at so-called “sensitive locations,” including churches. Since then, attendance at St. Gabriel’s Spanish-language Mass has dropped sharply. Father Haverstock told EWTN News that typical attendance of more than 400 has fallen by about half.
The arrest and deportation of Paredes on Dec. 4, 2025, remains central to parishioners’ fear. Paredes, 46, had lived in the United States for 25 years and was arrested by ICE after picking up coffee on his way to work, according to EWTN News. He was later deported to Mexico after spending weeks in detention.
“They treat people like an animal,” Paredes said of his detention experience, describing overcrowded cells, limited food, and a lack of access to religious services, according to EWTN News. He also said he was unable to contact his family for several days after his arrest.
Federal officials have disputed such claims. In a statement cited by EWTN News, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said ICE “does not raid churches” and rejected allegations of poor detention conditions, stating that detainees are provided with meals, medical care, and opportunities to communicate with family and attorneys.
Local leaders confirmed ICE activity near the parish. Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon told EWTN News that agents were present outside the church on Jan. 4, adding that he expects federal authorities to follow local laws. The situation unfolded shortly after the fatal shooting of a local resident by an ICE agent several miles away, further heightening community anxiety.
Following the events, Father Haverstock contacted church and civic leaders, including Bernard Hebda, to express concern. He said parishioners are now fearful even when attending Mass legally. “People being detained, even after showing IDs, and people being harassed, even if they’re here legally,” he told EWTN News.
The pastor is now considering offering a temporary Sunday Mass dispensation for those afraid to attend in person. “Out of consideration for their circumstances and their souls,” he said, while acknowledging his inner conflict, noting, “we need God in this situation,” according to EWTN News.
Despite the fear, Father Haverstock said the parish has remained united. “We’ve united to help our immigrant brothers and sisters,” he said. The parish continues to pray publicly each week “for immigrants living in fear, for families that have been separated, and for wise immigration reform in our land,” as reported by EWTN News.
At the conclusion of Mass, parishioners are invited to participate in efforts to support those affected through works of mercy, reflecting what Father Haverstock described as the Church’s obligation to seek justice not only for Catholics, but for all neighbors facing persecution.
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