El Paso Catholic Bishop Leads Anti-Trump Protest Against Immigration Policies
El Paso Catholic Bishop Mark J. Seitz has announced his participation in a protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, calling them “immoral” and harmful to migrant communities. The protest, titled the “March and Vigil in Solidarity with Migrants,” is scheduled to take place on March 24 in El Paso’s San Jacinto Plaza. Bishop Seitz, who has been a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration stance, will join the event along with his staff and other religious leaders from Mexico and Canada. The bishop’s decision reflects his long-standing advocacy for migrants and his opposition to policies he believes violate human dignity and compassion.
A Call for Compassion: Bishop Seitz’s Stand Against Immigration Enforcement
Bishop Seitz has repeatedly criticized the harsh rhetoric and enforcement measures targeting migrants under the Trump administration. In a statement, he expressed deep concern over the impact of indiscriminate immigration enforcement, the denial of due process, and the separation of families. He described these actions as “grave attacks on human dignity” and called the threat of mass deportations “untenable and immoral.” Seitz, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, has a history of advocating for migrant rights, dating back to his 2015 testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. During that testimony, he urged officials not to send unaccompanied migrant children back to their home countries, emphasizing the need for compassion and humanitarian care.
The Broader Context: Immigration Policies and Their Consequences
The bishop’s protest comes amid a heated debate over immigration policies in the U.S., particularly under the Trump and Biden administrations. While Trump’s policies have been criticized for their strict enforcement and rhetoric, Biden’s approach has also faced challenges, including the influx of unaccompanied migrant children at the border. Critics argue that Biden’s policies, which allow illegal aliens with children to enter the U.S. without thorough vetting, have inadvertently encouraged human smugglers to exploit vulnerable children. This has led to concerns about the welfare of these children and the integrity of the immigration system. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s cuts to aid programs for migrants have sparked widespread criticism, with groups like the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) suing the administration over the reduction in funding for migrant-related services.
Faith in Action: Interfaith Support for Migrant Rights
Bishop Seitz is not alone in his activism. The March and Vigil in Solidarity with Migrants has drawn support from a diverse coalition of faith leaders and organizations. Participants include Ruben Garcia of Annunciation House, Melissa Lopez of Estrella del Paso, Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Celino of the Diocese of El Paso, representatives from the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, Iglesia Delta, Trinity First United Methodist Church, Abara, and El Paso faith, among others. This interfaith effort highlights the shared commitment of religious communities to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants, regardless of their legal status. By uniting across denominational lines, these leaders aim to send a powerful message about the moral imperative to protect the vulnerable and welcome the stranger.
The Human Cost: Families Torn Apart by Immigration Policies
Central to Bishop Seitz’s concerns is the human cost of immigration enforcement. The separation of families, the denial of due process, and the fear of mass deportations have created a climate of anxiety and despair in migrant communities. The bishop has emphasized that these policies do not align with the values of compassion and justice that define American society. He has called for a “credible response” to the crisis, one that balances the need for border security with the imperative to protect human life and dignity. By joining the protest, Seitz hopes to draw attention to the suffering of migrants and to inspire a more humane approach to immigration reform.
A Moral Imperative: The Role of Faith in Advocacy
Bishop Seitz’s activism reflects the deeper role of faith in advocating for social justice. For him and many other religious leaders, the fight for migrant rights is not just a political issue but a moral one. By standing with migrants, Seitz and his allies are upholding the teachings of their faith, which emphasize the importance of loving one’s neighbor and caring for the least among us. Their efforts serve as a reminder that the immigration debate is not just about policy but about people—about families, children, and individuals who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. As the protest approaches, Bishop Seitz and his fellow advocates hope to inspire a national conversation about the kind of society America aspires to be: one that values compassion, justice, and the inherent worth of every human being.
