#USA #DC – A coalition of 14 U.S. Catholic bishops, predominantly from the U.S.-Mexico border region, have sent a strongly worded letter to members of Congress opposing budget reconciliation legislation that would allocate an additional $72 billion for immigration enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The letter, dated May 20, 2026, arrived as Senate committees advanced the measure. It builds on earlier concerns raised by the bishops regarding aggressive enforcement actions under the Trump administration’s second term.
Signatories include Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, and Bishop Michael M. Pham of San Diego. They argued that the funding would compound the effects of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed in 2025, which already directed $142 billion toward arrests, detention, and deportations.
“As pastors, we remain troubled by how immigrants, the vast majority of whom have committed no crimes and have built equities in the country, have become targets for enforcement, with their God-given human dignity and human rights being violated on a daily basis,” the bishops wrote.
The group referenced a February 2026 statement in which they called for policy reforms at DHS, including stronger due process protections, prevention of family separations, and safeguards for “sensitive locations” such as churches, schools, and hospitals. They urged lawmakers to incorporate these changes into the new bill — or to oppose it if sufficient protections are absent.
This latest pushback occurred amid broader debates over immigration policy. Public opinion polls, including one from AP-NORC in May 2026, indicated growing skepticism about the administration’s approach, with many Americans expressing concerns over its impact on the nation’s identity as a destination for immigrants.
Recent incidents, including the deaths of two American citizens in encounters with federal agents and reported deaths in ICE custody, have heightened tensions and contributed to a partial government shutdown stalemate over DHS funding.
Catholic leaders have long advocated for comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with humanitarian considerations and respect for human dignity. The bishops’ letter underscored ongoing pastoral concerns for migrant communities while acknowledging the complexities of enforcement.
As Congress continues deliberations on the reconciliation package — which also includes other spending priorities — the bishops’ intervention highlights the intersection of faith, policy, and politics in the ongoing national debate over immigration. No immediate response from congressional leaders or the administration was reported as of Wednesday.
Image: Department of Homeland Security building in Washington D.C.
