Florida Bishops Call for a Holiday Moratorium on Deportations

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Catholic bishops from Florida have made a heartfelt appeal to President Trump, urging him to temporarily pause immigration enforcement during the Christmas season, citing humanitarian concerns and the rising fear among immigrant families. Despite this, the White House has signaled that their enforcement activities will proceed as scheduled.

This request, championed by Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, garnered the support of seven other bishops from the Florida Conference. In an official letter, Wenski recognized the administration's focus on bolstering border security but expressed concern that current enforcement strategies disproportionately affect many non-criminal immigrants.

Wenski stated, “While the border has been secured and efforts to remove serious offenders have made progress, broad enforcement is now inadvertently targeting individuals who are merely working to support their families.”

The Archbishop highlighted that aggressive enforcement methods have fostered a climate of fear that touches not just undocumented migrants, but also legal residents and entire communities. This pervasive anxiety has disrupted family dynamics, job stability, and church activities across Florida.

Advocating for compassion during this festive season, the bishops requested that the federal government halt arrests and round-up operations throughout Christmas. Wenski commented, “A temporary pause would demonstrate a genuine respect for the humanity of these families,” arguing that immigration enforcement should balance legal mandates with moral responsibility.

The White House swiftly dismissed the appeal. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded via email, stressing that the President remains committed to his agenda of deporting criminal illegal aliens. “President Trump was elected on a platform to uphold this promise, and he is doing just that,” she remarked, without addressing the bishops' holiday pause suggestion.

Archbishop Wenski has been a long-standing advocate for humane immigration policies. Earlier this year, he joined fellow Catholic leaders at Georgetown University to voice concerns over stringent immigration measures which have led to family separations and heightened fear within communities.

He also pointed out the vital contribution immigrants make to essential sectors of the U.S. economy, such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, and services. “Many employers affirm that their most dedicated workers often come from immigrant communities,” Wenski said. “While enforcement is a necessary aspect of immigration policy, it must be executed rationally and compassionately.”

In his outreach efforts, Wenski has participated in the “Knights on Bikes” ministry led by the Knights of Columbus, which addresses the spiritual needs of detainees in immigration centers. He recalls moments spent praying outside a secluded detention facility in the Florida Everglades and later receiving the opportunity to celebrate Mass inside.

“Encouraging prayer among detainees, despite their challenging circumstances, affirms their dignity,” Wenski stated.

Despite the bishops' heartfelt plea, federal officials have indicated that current policies will remain unchanged, highlighting the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement priorities and the calls for compassion during the festive season.