🔗 Share this article American Catholic Bishops Denounce White House Border Policies In a uncommon public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a sharp criticism of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Formal Statement Reveals Significant Apprehension The bishops voiced being disturbed by potential violations of the special status of houses of worship and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments. 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 Within their declaration, the religious figures characterized what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and border control measures. They stated being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of immigrants, while rejecting what they described as "the widespread removal of people." Additional Concerns The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about: Circumstances in immigration detention centers Arbitrary removal of authorized standing for certain immigrants Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements Procedural Adjustments Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since assuming power, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration detentions near sensitive locations such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions. International Context The declaration parallels similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has advocated for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under Trump." Extended Ramifications This marks the initial formal statement of its nature in more than ten years, highlighting the gravity of the bishops' concerns about existing enforcement approaches.