Catholic Bishop Calls for Surgical Deportation After 5-Year-Old Boy's Arrest
Catholic leaders criticize U.S. immigration actions following the case of a 5-year-old boy detained for a month. A bishop calls for surgical deportation only for serious criminals.
TL;DR
- Catholic leaders are calling attention to what they describe as "indiscriminate" federal immigration enforcement actions.
- They urge Catholics to pray for, assist, and advocate for policy changes for immigrants.
- The observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees focused on the theme "Even If It Is Only One of These Little Ones."
- Cardinal Robert McElroy criticized the government's role in the suffering of undocumented individuals, including children separated from families.
- A case involving a 5-year-old boy and his father, detained for a month, was cited as an example of flawed immigration policy.
- Bishop Joseph Tyson of Yakima, Washington, reported that a disproportionate number of individuals targeted by immigration enforcement in his diocese lacked criminal records.
- Some leaders advocate for "surgical deportation" of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds rather than indiscriminate deportations.
- An immigration law expert argued that laws must be enforced and that internal enforcement and deportations are necessary for border security.
- The Department of Homeland Security denied reports that ICE was instructed to stop arresting illegal immigrants without criminal records beyond their immigration status.