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Through a uncommon official declaration, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.

Formal Statement Shows Significant Apprehension

Church leaders voiced being troubled by threats against the sacred nature of religious sites and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.

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

In their message, the religious figures characterized what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of profiling" and border control measures.

They revealed being saddened by the ongoing debate and vilification of migrants, while rejecting what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."

Further Issues

The bishops also voiced major apprehensions about:

• Conditions in immigration detention centers
• Unjustified cancellation of authorized standing for certain immigrants
• Absence of meaningful immigration reform

Administrative Shifts

The White House has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since assuming power, including rescinding policies that restricted immigration apprehensions near sensitive locations such as religious institutions, medical facilities and educational centers.

International Context

The declaration echoes similar critiques made by the Catholic pontiff, who has called for "serious consideration about the way immigrants are being addressed in the US under present leadership."

Broader Implications

This represents the premier special message of its nature in over a decade, underscoring the significance of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.