As Daughters of Charity our mission is to serve those who are most in need, thus we cannot be silent in the face of the violence that is being inflicted on communities across our nation through inhumane immigration enforcement. We witness firsthand its resulting suffering and fear. In the faces of our distressed neighbors, we see the face of Christ, who told us, “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Our Catholic social tradition teaches that nations have a right to control their borders. At the same time, nations have a corresponding responsibility to ensure that the immigration policies they enact are humane and protect the dignity of every person. For the sake of the Gospel and our neighbors we state clearly that recent enforcement methods — racial profiling, intimidation, physical violence, family separation, lack of due process, and deplorable detention conditions — do not live up to that responsibility, and, instead, violate the sanctity of life.
- We call on enforcement agents to cease these tactics immediately.
- We thank those members of law enforcement who work hard to de-escalate tense situations and keep communities safe.
- We call on our leaders and lawmakers to commit to the work of building a truly humane immigration system — one that provides safe and legal pathways for migrants and honors their God-given dignity.
To our migrant sisters and brothers, we echo the U.S. bishops in saying, “you are not alone!” We stand with you. We are mindful of our own history when Daughters of Charity were forced to flee their home during the French Revolution and who then relied on the welcome of the Church and communities as they sought to reestablish themselves. May we always strive to extend such welcome to others.
As Lent nears, we pray that God may soften our hearts and that we may experience a season, nationwide, of repentance and a renewed commitment to peace.