**Statement from Sacerdotus Ministry on the Crackdown of Illegal Immigration Under the Trump Administration**
As a ministry dedicated to upholding the teachings of the Catholic Church, engaging the world and ideologies, and promoting justice, Sacerdotus Ministry feels compelled to address the recent crackdown on illegal immigration under the Trump administration. This issue is complex and multifaceted, requiring a balanced approach that considers the need for law enforcement and the principles of compassion and mercy.
The Need for Law Enforcement
We acknowledge the importance of maintaining the rule of law and our nation's sovereignty. Enforcing immigration laws is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. A sovereign nation has the right to regulate its borders and manage immigration in a manner that protects its citizens and upholds the common good. The Catholic Church makes this clear in her teachings.
Catholic Church Teachings on Immigration
The Catholic Church has consistently taught the importance of welcoming the stranger and providing support to those in need. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "the more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin". However, the Church also recognizes the right of nations to regulate immigration and enforce laws, provided it is done with respect for human dignity and rights.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2241 states:
The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.
Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.
b. Is the right to emigration absolute? Can it ever be limited?
The SDC also recognizes the right of states to control entry of persons and their borders. They have a right and duty to protect their sovereignty as well as the internal order that guarantees security, basic human rights and freedoms. Thus states can make practical decisions that control immigration.[4] It is, however important to remember the principle that immigrants must always be treated with the respect due to the dignity of every human person. In the matter of controlling the influx of immigrants, the consideration which should rightly be given to the common good should not ignore this principle. The challenge is to combine the welcome due to every human being, especially when in need, with a reckoning of what is necessary for both the local inhabitants and the new arrivals to live a dignified and peaceful life.[5]
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/migrants/pom2002_88_90/rc_pc_migrants_pom88-89_blume.htm
Sacred Scripture states:
Matthew 25:31-40: Jesus says, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me". He also says that welcoming strangers is the same as welcoming Christ.
Hebrews 13:2: "Be sure to welcome strangers into your home".
Exodus 23:9: "Do not oppress a foreigner".
Leviticus 19:34: "You shall love the alien as yourself".
Deuteronomy 10:19: "You shall also love the stranger".
Deuteronomy 27:19: "Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner".
Compassion, Mercy, and Justice
While we support the enforcement of immigration laws, we must also emphasize the need for compassion and mercy. The Church calls for humane treatment of immigrants and refugees, advocating for policies that respect their dignity and provide opportunities for a better life. It is essential to balance the enforcement of laws with the principles of justice and mercy, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are not unjustly targeted or mistreated.
Criticism of Catholic Charities and Bishops
We express concern over the actions of some Catholic charities and bishops who have encouraged evading Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While their intentions may be rooted in compassion, it is crucial to recognize that such actions can undermine the rule of law and create further complications. We urge these organizations to work within the legal framework to advocate for humane and just immigration policies, rather than promoting actions that may lead to legal consequences. Evading law enforcement is not wise and will lead to more serious problems with the law. Cooperating with law enforcement, opting to remain silent, and using legal resources such as an attorney are the best approaches. In other words, leaning upon the Miranda rights.
Conclusion
Our Sacerdotus Ministry calls for a balanced approach to immigration enforcement that upholds the rule of law while also embodying the principles of compassion, mercy, and justice. We encourage all Catholics to engage in constructive dialogue and advocacy, working towards solutions that respect both the dignity of immigrants and the sovereignty of our nation. Our bishops and Catholic Charities must be more prudent and more balanced.
Their commentaries and tactics are scandalizing the faithful and are drawing backlash from other Americans who are now calling for the termination of federal funding. While we must be compassionate, merciful, and welcome strangers, we must do so in a prudent, rational, and legal manner. Those who entered our nation illegally did break our laws and there has to be consequences for the rule of law to be effective. However, those consequences must not be measured by the same ruler but must be analyzed based on the seriousness of the infraction of the law. Those seeking to enter our nation must do so legally. Nations must do their best to encourage this process and provide a fair one that will not force people to circumvent it. All sovereign nations must be nations of law.
We pray for all migrants during this period and also pray for our law enforcement agencies tasked with restoring order at the border and in our cities. We stand in solidarity with those migrants who respect all of our laws and due process of entry and are genuinely contributing to our society
: [EWTN](https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/answers/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-2241-23282)
: [National Catholic Register](https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/catholic-teaching-and-the-border-it-is-not-what-some-may-think)
: [Catholic News Agency](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259147/what-does-the-catholic-church-teach-about-immigration-and-immigrants)
: [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jd-vance-interview-face-the-nation-catholic-bishops-ice-order/)
