On November 12, 2025, during their annual conference in Baltimore, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement expressing strong opposition to the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies. While the statement did not explicitly name President Trump, it clearly addressed the administration's actions, condemning the 'indiscriminate mass deportation of people' and calling for an end to 'dehumanizing rhetoric and violence' directed at both immigrants and law enforcement.

The bishops articulated their commitment to human dignity, stating, 'We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.' This statement marks a rare moment of unity among the bishops, who have historically been divided on political lines, particularly during the papacy of Pope Leo XIV, who has advocated for immigrant rights.

The bishops have increasingly vocalized their concerns regarding federal immigration policies, having previously accompanied migrants to courthouses and protested legislative measures. Their recent statement serves as a strong message not only to the administration, which includes many prominent Catholics, but also to the church's immigrant families.

Concerns highlighted in the statement include the climate of fear surrounding immigration enforcement, the vilification of immigrants, and the conditions in detention centers. The bishops lamented the arbitrary loss of legal status for some immigrants and the threats to the sanctity of places of worship, hospitals, and schools. They expressed distress over families fearing separation due to deportation.

The statement received overwhelming support, with 216 votes in favor, five against, and three abstentions. Additionally, the bishops formalized guidance for Catholic hospitals, prohibiting interventions aimed at altering sexual characteristics. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, the newly elected president of the bishops' conference, expressed strong support for the immigration statement.

Pope Leo XIV had previously encouraged the bishops to present a united front on immigration issues, following a meeting with Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, who delivered letters from immigrants. During the conference, bishops engaged in extensive discussions about the statement, with some expressing concerns about potential backlash from the White House regarding related immigration issues.

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, who has witnessed federal immigration raids in his area, praised the near-unanimous support for the statement and emphasized the importance of defending the dignity of individuals. Some bishops, like Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, expressed a desire for an even stronger statement, while others noted that the amendments added significant weight to the document. Bishop José María Garcia-Maldonado, a new bishop and migrant from Mexico, thanked the bishops for addressing the concerns of immigrant families and priests.