🔗 Share this article

Via a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has delivered a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.

Special Message Expresses Deep Concern

Religious authorities voiced being troubled by threats against the sacred nature of houses of worship and the protected status of hospitals and schools.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Climate of Fear

Within their declaration, the religious figures described what they called "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of targeting" and border control measures.

They stated being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of foreign nationals, while resisting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Additional Concerns

Religious leaders also voiced significant concerns about:

• Circumstances in immigration detention centers
• Unjustified cancellation of legal status for various foreign nationals
• Lack of meaningful immigration reform

Administrative Shifts

The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

Global Perspective

The message mirrors comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has called for "thorough contemplation about the way immigrants are being treated in the US under present leadership."

Wider Consequences

This marks the initial official declaration of its kind in 12 years, emphasizing the seriousness of the bishops' concerns about existing enforcement approaches.