In a rare formal message, the national Catholic bishops organization has issued a firm denunciation of the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Religious authorities stated being troubled by risks to the sanctity of houses of worship and the unique character of healthcare centers and learning establishments.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Through their statement, the religious figures described what they called "a environment of apprehension around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.
They stated being disheartened by the present discourse and negative portrayal of migrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the widespread removal of people."
The bishops also expressed major apprehensions about:
Federal authorities has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since beginning the term, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration detentions near protected areas such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.
The statement parallels similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has urged "deep reflection about the way migrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."
This constitutes the initial official declaration of its type in over a decade, emphasizing the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.