Via a uncommon public statement, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a sharp criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Church leaders voiced being concerned by potential violations of the sacred nature of churches and the special nature of medical facilities and educational institutions.
Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.
Through their statement, the bishops portrayed what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of discrimination" and border control measures.
They stated being saddened by the current discussion and demonization of migrants, while opposing what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."
Church authorities also voiced significant concerns about:
Federal authorities has implemented an stringent border policy since assuming power, including revoking policies that restricted immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.
The message parallels similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "deep reflection about the way foreign nationals are being treated in the US under Trump."
This constitutes the premier official declaration of its nature in over a decade, emphasizing the gravity of the church leaders' worries about current immigration policies.