Philadelphia Catholics criticize Trump administration's mass deportation policy

Catholics around the nation, including in Philadelphia, gathered to take a stand against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy.

A prayer and procession took place on Thursday on 8th Street, in front of the ICE field office, and made its way around the block.

It’s all a part of a national campaign calling on people of faith to stand in solidarity with migrants and speak out against the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation actions.  

“As a catholic woman, as a woman of faith, as a Puerto Rican, and who is greatly committed to the causes of all Latin Americans and all people without documents, it is my responsibility to be here today,” said Dermis De Jesús of Philadelphia.

The crowd followed faith leaders in a eucharistic procession circling the ICE office. Many were carrying religious paintings as well as signs speaking out against mass deportations and in support of immigrant families.

“Trying our best to address the lack of due process and the injustice towards immigrants throughout our country at this point,” Sister Linda Luaiewski of St Joseph’s shared.

Thursday’s action comes a week after Pope Leo called for deep reflection in the United States about the treatment of migrants in detention.

“I would like to salute our holy father Pope Leo, who’s giving us very clear direction as to how to respond as Christians to the plate of migrants across the world,” said Father Dennis Gill of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Last night, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a special message speaking out against the Trump administration’s deportation policies, reading in part:

“We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement.”