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In a rare formal message, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's immigration crackdown.

Official Declaration Shows Deep Concern

Church leaders voiced being troubled by threats against the sanctity of religious sites and the unique character of hospitals and schools.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Climate of Fear

Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.

They revealed being disheartened by the ongoing debate and demonization of migrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Additional Concerns

The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about:

• Situations in immigration detention centers
• Unjustified cancellation of legal status for some migrants
• Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Administrative Shifts

The Trump administration has pursued an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as churches, hospitals and schools.

International Context

The statement parallels similar critiques made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."

Wider Consequences

This marks the initial formal statement of its type in over a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about current immigration policies.