“Your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour.” This is the appeal of Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), addressed to those living in fear amid heightened immigration enforcement operations. His words open a shared reflection, endorsed by the U.S. bishops on the eve of their special assembly.
“We cannot turn a deaf ear to the cries of anxiety and fear rising from our communities.”
“Law enforcement actions are necessary to preserve order and community safety. However, the current response goes far beyond individuals with criminal histories, affecting neighbours, friends, and family members through arbitrary measures or without due process,” said Broglio, stressing that “we are facing a profound social crisis that challenges our collective conscience and the very identity of the nation.” He added: “The goal cannot be exclusion, but the construction of a more just society, where no one is left behind simply because of their immigration status.”
Protests against immigration raids in the U.S.Protests began on 6 June in Los Angeles, following ICE raids in the Compton, Paramount and Fashion District neighbourhoods, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the use of tear gas. More than 520 people were detained in the city, which imposed a curfew and deployed over 4,000 military personnel. Demonstrations spread to over 2,000 cities including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Portland. Priests and bishops participated by promoting non-violent action. President Trump announced a plan for mass deportations and intensified checks in Democrat-led cities.
A message in harmony with Pope Leo XIV
Broglio’s message resonates with Pope Leo XIV’s address in Chicago, where the Pontiff reminded us that “at the heart of the Christian faith lies an invitation to share in the communion of life and love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” This communion, noted the Archbishop, is something the immigrant nation that is the United States cannot ignore. The USCCB President appeals to the civic and spiritual sense of the whole Church community to “become a sign of hope at a time when the social fabric risks being torn apart.”
“No one of goodwill can remain silent in the face of such a deep social crisis.”
Broglio denounced “the chronic lack of opportunities for legal status” and “the growing denial of due process.” These conditions, he warned, “injure human dignity and contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law.” The bishops also highlighted “the rise in unfounded accusations against Catholic organisations that provide daily assistance to the most vulnerable,” which exacerbates social tension and fear. “The State’s response,” he added, “cannot be purely punitive: it must recognise the person, with justice and mercy.”
Solidarity and commitment to just solutions
In the face of such a wrenching crisis, the Catholic Church in the United States stands with migrants and reaffirms the value of unity. “We are called to witness that another way is possible: one of dialogue, solidarity, and the shared construction of the common good.” His appeal is also directed to institutions and citizens: “We need shared solutions and a system that places the human person at its centre—not enforcement efficiency.”
“You can count on the cooperation and goodwill of the Catholic bishops of our country.”
“On behalf of my brother bishops, I assure all those affected by these events of the solidarity of your pastors.” He concluded by thanking those in Catholic and community organisations who “work for the common good, healing the wounds of the afflicted.” He reaffirmed: “We recognise the value of every human life and are committed to safeguarding it with responsibility and evangelical love.”
