The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a rare public condemnation Thursday of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, urging meaningful reform and expressing concern over the treatment of migrants.
It is the first statement of its kind from the bishops in 12 years.
“We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools,” the bishops said in a formal message, criticizing the Trump administration’s decision to rescind policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations.
Since taking office, Trump has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda, deploying federal agents nationwide and increasing arrests of migrants, including near churches, hospitals, and schools.
The bishops described this as creating “a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling” and condemned what they called the indiscriminate mass deportation of individuals.
The statement also highlighted concerns about conditions in detention centers and the arbitrary removal of legal status from certain migrants.
“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,” the bishops said, calling for policies that respect human dignity while maintaining border security.
The message echoes concerns previously voiced by Pope Leo, who has urged “deep reflection” on how migrants are treated in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This rare intervention by the USCCB underscores growing tensions between the Trump administration’s hardline immigration approach and faith-based advocacy groups pushing for humane treatment and comprehensive immigration reform.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
