With immigration enforcement surging across the United States, 18 Catholic bishops and archbishops from border states issued a forceful policy “wish list” on Feb. 24 — urging the federal government to restore due process, protect churches and other “sensitive locations,” and end intimidating enforcement tactics.
The statement was strategically released just hours before President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, underscoring the Church’s escalating concern about how U.S. immigration policies are impacting families, worship, and human dignity.
These bishops — representing states including Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico — said they were compelled to speak as “pastors in border states and beyond” witnessing the consequences of the Department of Homeland Security’s most recent enforcement operations.
Bishops Call for Protection of Churches and Sacred Spaces
A major focus of the statement is the urgent need to protect churches, schools, and hospitals from immigration enforcement actions.
Trump rescinded “sensitive locations” protections one day after beginning his second term — a move bishops say has caused fear among immigrant Catholics attending Mass or seeking sacraments.
“Fear of enforcement should not deter Catholics from worship,” the bishops warned, calling for immediate reinstatement of protections.
They insisted that no one should fear being detained when entering a church, especially when receiving sacraments or attending parish activities.
Key Recommendations from the Bishops’ Immigration Policy List
The bishops’ proposed changes include nine major reforms aimed at restoring dignity and human rights at the border:
1. Restore the Right to Apply for Asylum
The bishops said they are “very concerned” that legitimate asylum-seekers are being denied even the opportunity to apply at the U.S.–Mexico border.
2. Protect Churches and “Sensitive Locations”
Ensure immigrants can access Mass, confession, baptisms, funerals, and pastoral care without fear.
3. Restore Due Process
The bishops criticized random stops, lack of probable cause, and a court system overwhelmed by delays.
4. Halt Intimidation Tactics — Including Masked Officers
They condemned DHS practices such as:
- masked agents
- random roving patrols
- intimidation
- physical abuse
- tactics designed to create fear
These, they argued, prevent immigrants from asserting basic rights.
5. Minimize Family Separation
Keep families together “to the greatest extent possible,” noting the detrimental spiritual and psychological impact of separations.
6. Stop Targeting Immigrants Who Contribute to Society
The bishops emphasized enforcement efforts should not focus on immigrants who are working, supporting families, and contributing to local economies.
7. Enforce Humanitarian Detention Standards
They cited reports of:
- inadequate bedding
- lack of medical care
- restricted access to water
- limited hygiene supplies
- poor access to religious services
One detainee in Illinois reportedly had to wait six days before a judge ordered bedding, food, water, and hygiene supplies. DHS denies these claims.
8. Avoid Detaining Vulnerable Populations
The bishops urged that detention facilities should not house the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with medical conditions.
9. Fund Reintegration Programs for Deportees
They urged Congress to invest in programs helping deported individuals safely return and reintegrate into their home communities — an essential step in addressing “root causes” of migration.
A Broader Catholic Stance Against Mass Deportations
The bishops’ advocacy follows the USCCB’s November 2025 special message, which passed 216–5, denouncing “indiscriminate mass deportation” and calling for an end to “dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.”
Their Feb. 24 statement reaffirms this national Catholic position, emphasizing:
“We stand ready to work with Congress and the administration to create an immigration system that ensures public safety, protects human rights, encourages economic growth, and upholds our heritage as a nation of immigrants.”