🔗 Share this article American Roman Catholic Church Leaders Denounce Trump Administration Immigration Enforcement Through a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Special Message Expresses Deep Concern Church leaders voiced being disturbed by threats against the special status of houses of worship 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. Climate of Fear In their message, the religious figures characterized what they called "a climate of fear around questions of targeting" and immigration policies. They stated being disheartened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they called "the blanket expulsion of people." Other Worries Church authorities also raised significant concerns about: Circumstances in migrant detention facilities Arbitrary removal of legal status for some migrants Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements Administrative Shifts The Trump administration has pursued an stringent border policy since taking office, including eliminating policies that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools. Worldwide Dimension The message parallels equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under Trump." Wider Consequences This constitutes the first official declaration of its nature in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.