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Through a rare official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has delivered a strong condemnation of the White House's border enforcement measures.

Special Message Shows Serious Worry

The bishops voiced being concerned by risks to the special status of houses of worship 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.

Environment of Apprehension

Through their statement, the church leaders described what they termed "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.

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

Other Worries

The bishops also expressed major apprehensions about:

• Conditions in immigration detention centers
• Random revocation of legal status for certain immigrants
• Lack of substantial border policy changes

Procedural Adjustments

The White House has implemented an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

Global Perspective

The declaration parallels comparable criticisms made by Pope Leo, who has urged "serious consideration about the way migrants are being addressed in the US under Trump."

Extended Ramifications

This constitutes the first formal statement of its kind in over a decade, emphasizing the significance of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.