U.S. Catholic Bishops Criticize Deportation Policies Amid Immigration Concerns

The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Paul Coakley, expressed concerns over the Trump administration's mass deportation policies during an appearance on CBS News' Face the Nation. He stated that these deportations are instilling fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities across the country, emphasizing that people have a right to live without the fear of random deportations.

Coakley called for a balanced approach, advocating for both the respect of national borders and the humane treatment of immigrants, underscoring that human dignity must be preserved for all individuals regardless of their immigration status.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently adopted a special message condemning mass deportations and the vilification of migrants, reflecting a broader concern about the climate of fear and anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement.

This message received support from Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Ronald Hicks, highlighting the church's commitment to social justice and humane treatment of immigrants. Coakley noted that the rhetoric surrounding immigration issues contributes to anxiety in communities with dense migrant populations, and he reiterated the church's stance that respect for human dignity should be a foundational aspect of any immigration policy.