The White House has declined a request from Florida’s Catholic bishops to pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas holidays. This appeal, made on December 4, 2023, was spearheaded by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and supported by seven other bishops from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. They urged President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to consider a temporary halt to enforcement actions, emphasizing the humanitarian impact of current immigration policies.
In their statement, Archbishop Wenski highlighted the extensive enforcement efforts already undertaken, noting that over 500,000 people have been deported this year alone, with nearly 2 million more having voluntarily left the country. He raised concerns that the current approach disproportionately affects individuals who are not criminals but are simply seeking work.
“The border has been secured,” Wenski stated, asserting that the primary objective of identifying and removing dangerous criminals has largely been met. He expressed that recent enforcement practices often result in detaining individuals who possess legal permission to reside in the United States.
Surveys indicate that a significant portion of the American public believes immigration enforcement is overly aggressive. “A climate of fear and anxiety is infecting not only irregular migrants but also their family members and neighbors who are legally in the country,” Wenski explained. He requested a pause in enforcement activities during the Christmas season, suggesting that such a measure would reflect compassion for the families affected by these operations.
While the White House did not directly respond to the bishops’ appeal, spokeswoman Abigail Jackson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to its immigration enforcement policy. “President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And he’s keeping that promise,” she stated.
Wenski has been a vocal advocate for humane treatment of immigrants, participating in discussions about the implications of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. He noted that the contributions of immigrants to various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare, are essential to the U.S. economy. “Some of their best workers are immigrants,” he said.
The archbishop is also involved with the “Knights on Bikes” ministry, which aims to support the spiritual needs of migrants in detention, including those held at “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades. He recounted a recent experience praying outside the facility, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the dignity of those detained.
In November 2023, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a “special message” condemning the current mass deportation agenda and the stigmatization of illegal immigrants. This message was endorsed by Pope Leo XIV, who has consistently urged local bishops to advocate for social justice.
Pope Leo XIV has remarked that the treatment of immigrants is a moral issue, stating, “If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that. There are courts, there’s a system of justice.” He has warned that those who support inhumane treatment of immigrants may not align with pro-life values.
The ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement reflects broader societal tensions and raises critical questions about justice, compassion, and the human dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
