Church leaders in the U.S. and Mexico are speaking out in support of migrants who are at risk of being deported under new U.S. administration plans. These leaders are urging communities to be ready to welcome and assist migrants, offering both spiritual and material support.
In Chicago, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich reassured local immigrants that reports of mass deportations targeting the city were deeply troubling. He emphasized that the Catholic community would stand by migrants in these challenging times. On January 19, priests at St. Rita of Cascia Parish organized a special Mass to show their solidarity, blessing “pastoral packs” for families who might face deportation. These packs included prayer shawls, rosaries, and statues of the patron saint of immigrants. Father Larry Dowling, one of the priests, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News that it was important for the church to be present and offer support in any way possible.
The situation became more urgent on January 20, 2025, when the new U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, ended the use of the CBP One app. This app had previously allowed undocumented migrants to schedule appointments for legal entry into the U.S. at various border points. The decision to end the app’s functionality canceled nearly 1 million appointments, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety that migrants were already facing. Many had been relying on the app to secure their entry into the U.S. legally.
Prior to the inauguration, there were reports that the new administration planned to begin deportations, starting with Chicago. However, these plans were later questioned after information about the strategy was leaked. Tom Homan, a key figure in the U.S. immigration enforcement efforts, suggested that the situation might change, but the fear among migrants remained.
Pope Francis also spoke out about the deportation plans, calling them a “disgrace” during a January 19 interview. He criticized the policy, saying it unfairly targeted the most vulnerable individuals who were already suffering. Cardinal Cupich echoed these concerns, stating that the Catholic community would not support any plans that involved mass deportations of immigrants, especially those born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. He stressed that such actions would be an affront to the dignity of all people and would go against the values that the U.S. was built upon.
The U.S. administration is also expected to sign several executive orders related to border control, including sending military personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border. These orders are part of a broader plan to crack down on illegal immigration, including designating gangs and drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations.” These measures are already causing tension between the U.S. and Mexico, particularly in border cities where many migrants are hoping to return to the U.S. or enter legally.
In Mexico, the bishops’ conference has called for generosity in receiving migrants who may be deported. They encouraged dioceses, parishes, and religious groups to offer support and help integrate migrants back into their communities. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has also pledged to “protect” Mexicans living in the U.S. and to welcome back any deported Mexican nationals. However, she has stated that Mexico is not prepared to receive non-Mexican migrants, raising concerns about what will happen to those who are not from Mexico but are deported from the U.S.
For many migrants, the situation is dire. Father Germán Calix, a former leader of Cáritas Honduras, shared that an estimated 100,000 Hondurans left their country in 2024 in search of better opportunities, many of them aiming for the U.S. He explained that the lack of opportunities at home is a major driver of migration. The flow of migrants from Central America, including Honduras, is expected to continue unless there are significant changes in the region that create opportunities for young people.
As the situation unfolds, migrants continue to arrive in Mexico, hoping to secure one of the limited appointments to enter the U.S. legally. Many of them are still waiting in border cities like Matamoros and Reynosa, where shelters are already overcrowded. Father Brian Strassburger, a Jesuit priest who ministers to migrants in these cities, predicted that many migrants with canceled appointments would be stuck in these shelters, facing uncertainty about their future.
Church leaders in both the U.S. and Mexico are calling for compassion and solidarity in the face of mass deportation plans. They are urging faith communities to support migrants, offering both spiritual and practical help. As the new administration moves forward with its immigration policies, the need for humanitarian aid and a welcoming attitude towards migrants has never been more urgent. The situation remains fluid, but the church’s message of hope and solidarity continues to shine through, offering a lifeline to those who need it most.