The White House has declined a request from Florida’s Catholic bishops to pause immigration enforcement activities during the Christmas holidays. Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, along with seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, made this appeal to President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, emphasizing the need for compassion during the festive season.
Archbishop Wenski highlighted the significant actions taken to secure the U.S. border, noting that over 500,000 people have been deported this year, with nearly 2 million others opting to self-deport. He expressed concerns about the ongoing enforcement strategies that often result in the detention of individuals without criminal backgrounds. “The maximum enforcement approach means that many of these arrest operations inevitably sweep up numbers of people who are not criminals but just here to work,” Wenski stated.
In his remarks, Wenski pointed out that immigration sweeps often include individuals who have legal authorization to reside in the United States. He cited surveys indicating that many Americans believe current immigration enforcement measures are excessive. “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,” he said.
The archbishop requested a temporary halt to apprehension and round-up activities during the Christmas season, arguing that such a pause would reflect a decent regard for the humanity of affected families. He urged that now is not the time to disregard the suffering caused by aggressive immigration enforcement.
The White House, in response, did not address the specific request for a holiday pause. Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson for the White House, reiterated that President Trump remains committed to his promise of deporting criminal illegal aliens. “He’s keeping that promise,” Jackson affirmed.
Wenski has been a vocal advocate for humane treatment of immigrants. He has previously participated in discussions at venues such as Georgetown University, where he criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies for their impact on families and church communities. He noted the valuable contributions that illegal immigrants make to various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare. “Some of their best workers are immigrants,” he said, emphasizing the necessity of rationalizing and humanizing enforcement within immigration policy.
In addition to his advocacy, Wenski has been involved with the “Knights on Bikes” ministry, which raises awareness about the spiritual needs of migrants held in detention centers, including the notorious Alligator Alcatraz in the Florida Everglades. He described praying outside the facility’s walls and later celebrating Mass inside, highlighting the importance of recognizing the dignity of detainees even in dehumanizing situations.
Last month, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops adopted a resolution criticizing Trump’s mass deportation agenda and the vilification of illegal immigrants. This special message received endorsement from Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Ronald Hicks, who was recently appointed as the next archbishop of New York. The bishops expressed concerns over the fear and anxiety that immigration raids instill in communities, alongside the denial of pastoral care in detention centers.
Pope Leo XIV has consistently called for local bishops to address social justice issues and has suggested that individuals who support the harsh treatment of immigrants may not truly uphold pro-life values. “If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that. There are courts, there’s a system of justice,” he remarked.
As the debate continues, the impact of immigration policy on families and communities remains a pressing concern for many religious leaders and advocates across the nation.
