White House Rejects Florida Bishops’ Plea to Halt Immigration Raids During Christmas
MIAMI, Fla. — Florida’s Catholic bishops made a heartfelt appeal to President Donald Trump on Monday, asking for a temporary pause in immigration enforcement operations during the Christmas season, citing the fear and anxiety such raids inflict on immigrant families and communities. However, the White House swiftly rejected the request, affirming that immigration enforcement activities will proceed as usual despite the holiday.
The appeal, signed by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasized the humanitarian toll of ongoing immigration raids. Archbishop Wenski highlighted that the border has been secured and that much of the initial work targeting dangerous criminals has been accomplished. “Over half a million people have been deported this year, and nearly two million more have voluntarily self-deported,” he wrote. Yet, he warned that current enforcement tactics often sweep up non-criminal immigrants who are simply seeking work.
“A significant majority of those detained in Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal background,” Wenski noted, referring to a detention facility in Florida. He also raised concerns that some individuals apprehended during these operations have legal authorization to remain in the United States, and that these enforcement efforts have created a climate of fear extending beyond undocumented immigrants to their families and neighbors who are legally present.
“Eventually these cases may be resolved, but this takes many months causing great sorrow for their families,” Wenski said. “A climate of fear and anxiety is infecting not only the irregular migrant but also family members and neighbors who are legally in the country.”
The bishops’ request called for a pause in apprehensions and round-ups during the Christmas season, urging that such a gesture would demonstrate “a decent regard for the humanity of these families.” The appeal came amid growing public debate over immigration enforcement policies and their impact on communities during the holidays.
Despite the bishops’ plea, the White House maintained its hardline stance. Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman for the White House, underscored President Trump’s commitment to his campaign promise to deport criminal illegal aliens. “President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And he’s keeping that promise,” Jackson said in a statement.
The Department of Homeland Security continues to oversee immigration enforcement through agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which conducts the raids. According to DHS guidelines, enforcement actions target individuals who pose security risks, but critics argue that broad sweeps often catch many who do not have criminal records.
Archbishop Wenski, who has been an outspoken advocate for humane treatment of immigrants, joins a chorus of religious and community leaders nationwide calling for more compassionate policies. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has repeatedly urged the government to consider the human impact of immigration enforcement, especially during significant cultural and religious holidays.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that immigration enforcement has intensified in recent years, with record numbers of deportations and voluntary departures. However, the enforcement approach remains a deeply divisive political issue, with proponents emphasizing border security and opponents highlighting the humanitarian consequences.
As the holiday season unfolds, immigrant communities in Florida and across the country face heightened uncertainty. The Florida bishops’ call for a Christmas reprieve reflects a broader tension between enforcement policies and the desire for compassion during a time traditionally associated with family and goodwill.
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