El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz has issued a strong condemnation of mass detention and deportation practices, labeling them a “grave moral evil.” In a pastoral letter released on March 10, 2025, he urged members of the Catholic community engaged in immigration enforcement to prioritize the teachings of the Gospel over governmental orders. This statement, made during the holy season of Lent, represents the first formal response of its kind from a U.S. bishop regarding the treatment of unauthorized immigrants.
In his letter, Bishop Seitz emphasized that “no one has to obey an immoral order” and called on those involved in immigration enforcement to discern their moral responsibilities. He expressed the need for integrity and honesty among individuals working in agencies such as the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By fostering genuine encounters among neighbors, he believes communities can reclaim their shared dignity.
Concerns for Immigrant Communities
Bishop Seitz’s letter also aimed to provide reassurance to immigrants living in fear of deportation. He remarked on the troubling stories he has encountered, detailing instances of individuals being “snatched away” during immigration court proceedings and workers being apprehended at construction sites across El Paso. The bishop highlighted the emotional toll these actions take on families, including parents who are unable to fulfill their work responsibilities due to the loss of work permits.
The pastoral letter also addressed the tragic deaths of three individuals at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center located at Fort Bliss, underscoring the dire consequences of the current immigration policies. “To those of you affected by hatred and discrimination and afraid of what comes next, know that the church stands with you,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to support the vulnerable within the community.
Bishop Seitz’s message resonates particularly with the congregation in El Paso, where more than 415,000 residents identified as Catholic in 2020, according to a study by the Association of Religion Data Archives. His letter serves as a call to action, urging local Catholics in immigration enforcement roles to reflect on their contributions to community safety and human dignity.
Addressing Systemic Issues
While acknowledging the important role that law enforcement plays in maintaining community safety, Bishop Seitz argued that the current system of mass deportations exacerbates divisions within society and undermines the well-being of families. He asserted, “Mass deportations will not make our communities safer. They separate families, divide neighbors and threaten our economic well-being.”
He denounced the ongoing national campaign of mass detention and deportations, framing it as an issue that requires prayer, peaceful action, and solidarity with those affected. Seitz promised pastoral support for individuals grappling with these moral dilemmas, stating, “You are also in my prayers.”
This pastoral letter is the third issued by Bishop Seitz since he became the bishop of El Paso in 2013. His previous letters have addressed critical issues, including the need for immigration reform and the impact of racism within the community. The latest letter refrains from directly criticizing the Trump administration but instead emphasizes the spiritual and moral dimensions of immigration issues, referencing the teachings of Jesus.
Seitz concluded with a reminder of the Catholic Church’s commitment to uphold the dignity of every individual, stating that the church stands firmly with suffering migrant families. He reiterated a message he received from Pope Leo XIV during a meeting at the Vatican, emphasizing the importance of advocating for human dignity and opposing unjust practices.
In a related event, the El Paso diocese plans to hold a march and vigil titled “For Human Life and an End to Mass Deportations” at 6 p.m. on March 24, 2025, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, a former refugee from El Salvador, will join Bishop Seitz in this demonstration of solidarity with affected families.
Through his pastoral letter and upcoming events, Bishop Seitz continues to position the U.S. Catholic Church at the forefront of discussions surrounding immigration policies, advocating for a more compassionate approach that prioritizes human dignity and community cohesion.