The White House has turned down an appeal from Catholic bishops in Florida who asked for a temporary halt to immigration enforcement operations during the Christmas holiday season. The request, made as families across the nation prepare to celebrate the religious holiday, sought a brief pause in arrests and deportations to allow immigrants and their loved ones to spend the season without fear. Fox News+1
Bishops’ Plea for Compassion During the Holidays
In a letter issued on December 22, Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops asked President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to pause immigration enforcement through the Christmas period. The bishops argued that border security has largely been achieved and that ongoing mass enforcement is now catching up many migrants who have no criminal history but are in the country to work and support their families. Catholic News Agency
Archbishop Wenski said the bishops hoped that a temporary pause would “show a decent regard for the humanity of these families”, giving people the chance to be with loved ones, attend church, and celebrate without fear of detention or separation. He also pointed to a climate of fear and anxiety affecting not just irregular migrants but also their relatives and neighbors who are legally in the United States. Newser
The bishops emphasized that their request did not imply reversing immigration policies but suggested a short break in enforcement activity during a time of religious significance and family gatherings. WUSF
White House Response
In response, the White House stated that immigration enforcement activities will continue despite the holiday request. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson reiterated that President Trump was elected on a promise to deport criminal illegal aliens and affirmed that he remains committed to “keeping that promise,” leaving no room for a holiday pause in enforcement actions. WUSF
Why This Matters
The clash highlights ongoing tensions between faith leaders and the federal government over how immigration laws are enforced and how migrants are treated. While the administration argues that strict enforcement is necessary for border security and fulfilling campaign commitments, religious leaders and advocacy groups have called for more humane and compassionate approaches, especially during major religious holidays. FOX 13 Tampa Bay
With immigration remaining a deeply divisive issue in American politics, the bishops’ appeal adds to broader debates about immigrant rights, family separation, and the role of moral and religious voices in shaping public policy.
