Catholics Nationwide Hold Vigils for Immigrants as Trump Alters Enforcement Policy
Catholic communities across the U.S. held prayer vigils on October 22, expressing solidarity with immigrants and concern over changes in immigration enforcement policies. The 'One Church, One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants' initiative, led by Jesuits West province, saw Catholics reflect on their faith's teachings on immigration and the Trump administration's rollback of a policy protecting sensitive locations like churches.
The vigils, organized by a coalition of Catholic organizations including the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), were held in response to the Trump administration's change in policy. This policy previously prohibited immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supported a lawsuit challenging this policy change.
Participants in the vigils reflected on Christ's mission to the poor, the blind, and the captive, praying for those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They also expressed worry about reports of ICE agents near a Chicago church, prompting warnings from its pastor despite ICE's denial of targeting churches. The initiative, part of the Catholic Church's social teaching on immigration, balances the right to migrate, a country's right to regulate borders, and the duty to do so with justice and mercy.
Christians, with Catholics being the largest group, make up approximately 80% of those at risk of deportation in the U.S. More than four out of 10 U.S. Catholics are immigrants or children of immigrants, with Hispanic and Asian Catholics having higher percentages.
The 'One Church, One Family' vigils, which can be found at 1family.us, highlight the Catholic Church's commitment to supporting immigrants and advocating for just immigration policies. As the U.S. grapples with immigration issues, Catholic communities continue to stand in solidarity with immigrants, advocating for their rights and dignity.
