Bishops Urge White House to Pause ICE Raids for Christmas

The White House has declined a request from U.S. Catholic bishops to halt immigration raids during the Christmas season. This appeal, issued on December 22, 2025, came from Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and was supported by seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops aimed to call attention to the humanitarian impact of current immigration enforcement practices, particularly during a time when families typically come together to celebrate.

In their letter to President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the bishops expressed a desire for a brief pause in raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), emphasizing the importance of showing compassion during one of the most sacred times of the year. They warned that the ongoing enforcement actions disproportionately affect families who have lived in the United States for years without any criminal history, a situation that fosters a “climate of fear” not only among undocumented immigrants but also among their legal neighbors.

Archbishop Wenski highlighted that significant security measures have already been implemented, arguing, “The border has been secured. The initial work of identifying and removing dangerous criminals has been accomplished to a great degree.” He pointed to government statistics indicating that over 605,000 individuals had been deported since the beginning of 2025, with nearly two million more having voluntarily left the country under the administration’s stringent policies.

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson reiterated the administration’s commitment to its immigration enforcement agenda. She stated, “President Trump was elected because he promised the American people that he would deport illegal aliens who were criminals. And he’s keeping that promise,” failing to address the bishops’ specific request for a holiday reprieve.

The administration’s firm stance comes at a time when U.S. immigration detention rates are at record levels, with more than 68,400 individuals held in facilities as of December 14, 2025, according to data from The Guardian. This trend signals a growing distance between the government’s policies and the humanitarian concerns raised by faith leaders like Archbishop Wenski.

Wenski has long been an advocate for treating immigrants with dignity and respect. He has publicly criticized policies that result in family separations and has actively participated in initiatives like the Knights on Bikes ministry. This program seeks to address the spiritual needs of those detained in facilities, including the controversial Everglades Detention Center, often referred to as “Alligator Alcatraz.”

In a notable event last July, Wenski led a group of over two dozen motorcyclists to the gates of the Florida facility. Despite facing initial resistance from law enforcement, the Archbishop successfully held a Catholic Mass inside the detention center, marking a significant moment for the faith community’s outreach efforts.

As Christmas approaches, many undocumented workers continue to contribute to vital sectors such as agriculture, construction, and healthcare. Yet, for countless families, the joy of the holiday season is overshadowed by the persistent threat of deportation. The bishops’ appeal serves as a reminder of the human cost associated with stringent immigration policies, reiterating that “the Church has no borders because we are all members of one human family.”

The White House’s rejection of the bishops’ request underscores the administration’s unwavering commitment to its “maximum enforcement” strategy, which prioritizes immigration control over seasonal compassion. With the bishops continuing to advocate for a more humane approach, many families will face a Christmas marked not by peace but by uncertainty and fear of separation.