Via a uncommon official declaration, the national Catholic bishops organization has released a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.
Church leaders voiced being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of churches and the protected status of medical facilities and educational institutions.
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.
In their message, the church leaders described what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration policies.
They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and demonization of foreign nationals, while rejecting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people."
The bishops also raised serious worries about:
The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including rescinding policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as churches, hospitals and schools.
The declaration echoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under the current administration."
This constitutes the first formal statement of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the significance of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.
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