As Catholics, how should we view racial profiling, vilification of immigrants, conditions in detention centers, loss of legal status for some immigrants, the loss of sanctuary statuses for churches and schools, mass deportations, and dehumanizing rhetoric and violence?

With their concern heightened by recent immigration enforcement measures, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in November 2025 offered moral guidance to us and to our political leaders by penning a rare public statement – the first “special message” of an assembly of U.S. bishops since 2013.

In their statement, the bishops spoke clearly on the issue of immigration and urged all Catholics to advocate for meaningful immigration reform. Here is an excerpt from their Special Pastoral Message:

We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform. 

To read the full text of the bishop’s statement, click here.

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