US Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Enforcement

In a rare formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

Special Message Shows Serious Worry

Religious authorities expressed being disturbed by risks to the sanctity of churches and the special nature 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 bishops portrayed what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.

They stated being disappointed by the current discussion and demonization of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Other Worries

Religious leaders also voiced major apprehensions about:

• Situations in border holding facilities
• Arbitrary removal of official documentation for various foreign nationals
• Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has pursued an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration detentions near protected areas such as churches, hospitals and schools.

Global Perspective

The message parallels similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."

Broader Implications

This marks the first special message of its kind in more than ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.