Topline
U.S. Catholic bishops issued a statement Wednesday raising concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown and mass deportation of undocumented migrants, delivering a rare public rebuke of the President’s immigration policies.
Rev. Michael J.K. Fuller, Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore conduct the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops plenary assembly in Baltimore.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved
Key Facts
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued the rare “Special Message” during its annual gathering, which was held in Baltimore this year, saying they are disturbed about the “climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement.”
The statement received a near-unanimous approval from the conference, with 216 votes in favor, five against and three abstentions.
The bishops’ statement said they were “saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants.
The statement also raised concerns about the condition of migrant detention centers, “the lack of access to pastoral care,” and the arbitrary loss of legal status for some immigrants.
The bishops said they were “troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools.”
The statement said immigrants have made “enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation,” and the bishops feel “compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”
Crucial Quote
“We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform,” the statement added.