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In a rare official declaration, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a sharp criticism of the White House's immigration policies.

Official Declaration Expresses Significant Apprehension

Church leaders stated being troubled by threats against the special status of religious sites and the protected status of healthcare centers and learning establishments.

Countries bear the duty to manage their boundaries and create fair, organized immigration frameworks for the benefit of all.

Climate of Fear

Through their statement, the church leaders characterized what they labeled "a environment of apprehension around questions of targeting" and immigration enforcement.

They expressed being disappointed by the current discussion and demonization of foreign nationals, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Additional Concerns

Religious leaders also raised serious worries about:

• Conditions in migrant detention facilities
• Arbitrary removal of legal status for various foreign nationals
• Absence of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has pursued an stringent border policy since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that limited immigration arrests near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

International Context

The message echoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for "deep reflection about the way immigrants are being handled in the US under the current administration."

Wider Consequences

This represents the initial formal statement of its type in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.