Catholic bishops stand with migrants
Los Angeles Times
|November 14, 2025
For the first time in 12 years, U.S. Catholic bishops have issued a unified statement to support the country’s immigrants and oppose the Trump administration’s "indiscriminate mass deportations of people.”
UNIONS AND immigrant rights groups rally in Los Angeles in October against federal immigration raids.
(GENARO MOLINA Los Angeles Times)
The move marked a voice of support for immigrants - long a vital part of the U.S. Catholic Church amid a year of unprecedented upheaval. It also continues a long tradition of the church as an institution of support for those in the country illegally that dates to the massive immigration sweeps in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
The special statement was issued Wednesday during the annual United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathering in Baltimore. It was the first time since 2013 that the bishops had collectively voiced their concerns over an issue. The last time they did so was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.
To show the consensus of the body, the bishops must vote to approve the special message, which was overwhelmingly supported with 216 votes in favor, five against and three abstentions.
At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hawthorne on Thursday, Marisela Trujillo, 45, said she was grateful for the bishops’ stance.
“They're basically speaking on our behalf,” Trujillo said. “They're amplifying our voices.”
Ona cloudy morning, six Catholic women wearing white veils and dresses sat under a tree. They carried tote bags with images of Jesus Christ and rosaries.
Amparo Duarte said the bishops’ statement was a bold move given the harsh immigration tactics employed in recent months by the Trump administration.
Duarte recalled one sweep that had taken place in June just a street away from St. Joseph in which federal agents had detained three men and a pregnant woman.
The woman and one of the men, U.S. citizens, were eventually released. Duarte said she hoped the Trump administration would take the bishops’ statement seriously.
This story is from the November 14, 2025 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Unhappy with the choices for governor? Get real
California has tried all manner of design in choosing its governor.
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
In Caracas, fear and uncertainty
Celebrations by some Venezuelans abroad were not repeated in a defiant capital city.
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
LAPD investigating New Year’s Eve shooting
Hamilton said it was “too early to tell” if that was the case.
2 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
A mission to keep Hollywood magic alive
AFTER PURCHASING HENSON STUDIOS IN 2024, JOHN MAYER AND McG ARE READY TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES IN THE ICONIC RECORDING COMPLEX
9 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
They fail to see big jump under Riley after loss to Horned Frogs
It’s very obvious to this USC diehard fan, Lincoln Riley is not delivering on his commitment to restore Trojans football to national prominence as head coach.
1 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
China’s economy not resonating with everybody
By some measures, China’s economy is looking resilient, with strong exports and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
The ER visit that would test our vows
WHAT AN UNEXPECTED DIAGNOSIS IS TEACHING ME ABOUT LOVE
4 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Senate leader pushes for reform, braces for Trump
Monique Limón says raids along the Central Coast can't be allowed to become routine as she calls on Washington for immigration pathway
6 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
SHOUT-OUTS TO WOMEN WHO ARE 'SIMPLY MORE'
CYNTHIA ERIVO’S MEMOIR AND A LOOK AT SYLVIA PLATH AND TAYLOR SWIFT SHOW NO FEAR.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Los Angeles Times
Trial to start for police officer in Texas school shooting
Adrian Gonzales is accused of ignoring training in Uvalde with deadly results.
5 mins
January 04, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
