Catholic Bishops Critique Trump’s Immigration Policies During Annual Gathering

BALTIMORE, Maryland — U.S. Catholic bishops issued a statement Wednesday expressing deep concerns about the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown and mass deportation of undocumented migrants. This rare public rebuke of the President’s immigration policies took place during the bishops’ annual gathering in Baltimore.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) delivered the statement, receiving near-unanimous approval with 216 votes in favor and only five against, with three abstentions. The bishops articulated their distress over a “climate of fear and anxiety” concerning immigration enforcement and profiling.

In their statement, the bishops expressed sadness over the state of contemporary debates and the vilification of immigrants. They raised alarms about conditions in migrant detention centers, including “the lack of access to pastoral care” and the arbitrary loss of legal status for various immigrants.

The bishops also voiced concern regarding threats to the sanctity of houses of worship and the unique status of hospitals and schools. They emphasized that immigrants contribute significantly to the nation’s well-being and feel compelled to defend human dignity in this challenging environment.

“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,” the statement read. It continued, “We will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.”

The last time the USCCB issued a message of this nature was in 2013, opposing certain aspects of the Affordable Care Act during the Obama administration. While President Trump has not publicly commented on the bishops’ statement, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “President Trump was elected based on the promises he made to the American people, including his promise to deport criminal illegal aliens.”

The bishops’ remarks coincide with recent statements from Pope Leo XIV regarding the humanitarian treatment of migrants, especially those in detention. Pope Leo, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, urged faith leaders earlier this month to gain access to migrant detention facilities after reports emerged of denied religious access during significant days like All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos.

Before his passing, the late Pope Francis addressed American bishops, criticizing the mass deportation agenda under Trump’s administration.