In a recent appeal, Florida's Catholic bishops have called for a temporary halt in immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays.
However, the White House has responded by stating that operations will proceed as usual.
The plea was directed at President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and was led by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, with the backing of seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
According to Fox News, Wenski stated, "The border has been secured. The initial work of identifying and removing dangerous criminals has been accomplished to a great degree. Over half a million people have been deported this year, and nearly two million more have voluntarily self-deported."
He further expressed concern that the current enforcement approach, which treats irregular immigrants collectively, often results in the arrest of individuals who are not criminals but are in the country to work. He pointed out that a significant majority of those detained in Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal background.
Wenski also highlighted that immigration sweeps sometimes include individuals who have legal authorization to be in the U.S. He cited surveys that suggest Americans believe immigration enforcement operations are becoming excessive. "Eventually these cases may be resolved, but this takes many months causing great sorrow for their families A climate of fear and anxiety is infecting not only the irregular migrant but also family members and neighbors who are legally in the country," Wenski said.
In his appeal, Wenski requested that the government suspend apprehension and round-up activities during the Christmas season. He argued that such a pause would demonstrate a decent regard for the humanity of these families. He added, "Now is not the time to be callous toward the suffering caused by immigration enforcement."
In response, the White House did not directly address the appeal for a holiday pause. Instead, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated, "President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And hes keeping that promise."
Wenski, along with other Catholic leaders, has been a vocal advocate for the humane treatment of illegal immigrants. He has criticized the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown for splitting up families, inciting fear, and disrupting church life. Wenski has also acknowledged the contributions illegal immigrants make to the U.S. economy. "If you ask people in agriculture, you ask in the service industry, you ask people in health care, you ask the people in the construction field, and theyll tell you that some of their best workers are immigrants," Wenski said.
In addition to his advocacy, Wenski has participated in the "Knights on Bikes" ministry, an initiative led by the Knights of Columbus that focuses on the spiritual needs of migrants held at immigration detention centers. He recalled praying a rosary outside the walls of "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades before receiving permission to celebrate Mass inside the facility.
Last month, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a "special message" criticizing Trump's mass deportation agenda and the "vilification" of illegal immigrants. The message, endorsed by Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Ronald Hicks, expressed concern over the fear and anxiety immigration raids are causing in communities, as well as the denial of pastoral care in detention centers.
The Pope has previously urged local bishops to voice their concerns on social justice issues and has suggested that those who support the "inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States" may not be pro-life. This ongoing debate continues to highlight the tension between the enforcement of immigration laws and the call for humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their legal status.
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