US Catholic Bishops Criticize Trump Immigration Crackdown

WASHINGTON — In a rare public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has criticized the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies, calling for “meaningful immigration reform” and expressing concern for migrants’ welfare.

The bishops highlighted what they described as a “climate of fear and anxiety” surrounding immigration enforcement and questioned the treatment of migrants in detention centers. They also opposed the “indiscriminate mass deportation of people” and raised alarms about the arbitrary removal of legal status from certain migrants.

“We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools,” the bishops said, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive locations from immigration enforcement actions. This message marks the first major public statement on immigration by the USCCB in 12 years.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has pursued a robust immigration agenda, rescinding policies that limited arrests near churches, schools, and hospitals, while deploying federal agents nationwide to increase immigration arrests.

The bishops’ statement echoes previous critiques by religious leaders, including Pope Leo, who has called for deep reflection on the treatment of migrants in the United States. The bishops stressed that while nations have the responsibility to secure borders, this should be balanced with the principles of justice and the common good.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration enforcement, has not commented on the bishops’ statement.

The USCCB’s call for reform comes at a time when national debate over immigration policies continues to intensify, with growing public concern over the humanitarian conditions in detention facilities and the social impact of mass deportations.