Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, called for an end to mass deportations and urged increased solidarity with those affected by such policies in a pastoral message released on March 15.
The message was directed to be read at all parish churches and chapels during Sunday Masses on the day of its release. Bishop Seitz said the diocese will “redouble our ministries with those in the downtown courthouse, in the detention centers, in Ciudad Juarez and with families in our parishes.”
“We will continue to celebrate your contributions to our community, to defend your human dignity, and to work to end racism and make immigration reform a reality,” the message said.
In an interview with OSV News, Bishop Seitz said his aim was “to speak to the people of our community, particularly those who are living in fear right now,” including “those who have legal documents, who we’ve seen arrested and detained, even deported.” The statement comes amid reports that national political leaders have advised candidates not to discuss mass deportations as polling shows declining support for such measures among U.S. adults.
Bishop Seitz noted that while there has been “a pause on many of their activities” regarding enforcement actions locally, he remains concerned that this may only be temporary. The pastoral message expressed solidarity with individuals adversely affected by mass deportation policies and highlighted deaths occurring within local detention facilities.
“Mass deportations will not make our communities safer,” Bishop Seitz wrote. “They separate families, divide neighbors and threaten our economic wellbeing. While we do need significant immigration reforms, it is an injustice to make families, children and the vulnerable pay the price of our inaction. Policies, laws and borders must always be at the service of human dignity, genuine community security and human flourishing.”
He described “the current national campaign of mass detention and deportations” as a “grave moral evil” that should be opposed through prayerful action and solidarity. He also raised concerns about conditions at Camp East Montana detention facility—including overcrowding, medical neglect, limited access to religious services—and noted that many detainees identify as Catholic but receive minimal spiritual support.
Bishop Seitz added: “But the death of those in immigration detention is unacceptable. An unjust immigration system that leads to deadly outcomes is destructive of our shared humanity. No one has to obey an immoral order.” He encouraged law enforcement agents to discern their responsibilities carefully according to moral principles.
The bishop invited Catholics and other community members with U.S. citizenship privileges to join a March 24 prayer vigil at Plaza de los Lagartos in El Paso calling for an end to mass detentions and deportations.
Catholic social teaching on immigration emphasizes balancing migrants’ rights with nations’ rights while upholding justice and mercy.
