The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has made an uncommon denunciation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and has called for “meaningful immigration reform.”
“We are concerned about threats to the sanctity of places of worship and the unique nature of hospitals and schools,” the bishops stated in a special message, marking the first of its kind in 12 years.
The Department of Homeland Security, which manages immigration initiatives, did not promptly reply to a request for comment.
The message resonates with similar criticisms voiced by Pope Leo, who has urged for “deep reflection” regarding the treatment of migrants in the U.S. under Trump’s administration.
Since assuming office earlier this year, the Trump administration has pursued an assertive immigration agenda. Trump has revoked policies that restricted immigration arrests near sensitive sites, such as churches, hospitals, and schools, and has deployed federal agents nationwide to intensify such arrests.
In their message, the bishops conveyed their worries about what they termed “a climate of fear and anxiety surrounding issues of profiling” and immigration enforcement. They expressed sorrow over the discourse and demonization of migrants, opposing “the indiscriminate mass deportation of individuals.”
The bishops also highlighted concerns regarding conditions in detention facilities, as well as what they referred to as the arbitrary revocation of legal status for certain migrants.
“We acknowledge that nations bear the responsibility to manage their borders and create a fair and orderly immigration system for the common good,” the bishops remarked.
