🔗 Share this article US Roman Catholic Bishops Criticize White House Border Enforcement Through a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures. Special Message Shows Serious Worry The bishops expressed being concerned by risks to the special status of houses of worship and the special nature 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 labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration policies. They expressed being disheartened by the current discussion and vilification of immigrants, while resisting what they described as "the blanket expulsion of people." Additional Concerns Church authorities also voiced significant concerns about: Circumstances in migrant detention facilities Unjustified cancellation of legal status for certain immigrants Lack of meaningful immigration reform Administrative Shifts Federal authorities has advanced an stringent border policy since assuming power, including eliminating policies that restricted immigration arrests near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions. Global Perspective The statement echoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under the current administration." Extended Ramifications This constitutes the initial formal statement of its type in more than ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about present border measures.