Mexico's bishops call for unity as church aids deported migrants in crisis

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Key Takeaways

• On January 20, 2025, President Trump reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and allowed ICE to make arrests in schools and churches.
• Mexico’s “Mexico Embraces You” program offers deported migrants 2,000 pesos and access to healthcare through the Mexican Social Security Institute.
• The Catholic Church in Mexico operates 54 shelters but struggles with limited resources due to increasing deportations under new U.S. policies.

The Catholic Church in Mexico is facing growing challenges as it works to assist individuals deported under new U.S. policies enacted by President Trump. Following a series of executive orders that have tightened border regulations and increased deportations, Mexico’s bishops have urged unity among citizens while addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of returnees. This growing crisis highlights broader concerns for those navigating immigration systems on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed multiple executive orders significantly changing U.S. immigration policy. These included declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to make arrests in places like schools and churches, which were previously considered safe spaces. These policy shifts have left many migrants in a state of uncertainty and fear.

Mexico’s Catholic Church has taken on a leading role in supporting those affected. The Mexican Bishops’ Conference (CEM) spoke out about these changes on February 24, 2025, describing them as “worrying” and calling for unity among citizens. The bishops emphasized the importance of defending Mexico’s identity, freedoms, and human rights amidst these challenges. They also acknowledged the leadership shown by Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, praising her openness and sensitivity during this difficult time.

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has launched the “Mexico Embraces You” program, which directly assists returned migrants. This initiative, which started on January 20, offers financial aid of 2,000 pesos (about $100) to deported individuals for basic expenses and access to health services through the Mexican Social Security Institute. While the program is a step toward addressing the needs of returnees, the large number of deportations resulting from recent U.S. actions has placed additional pressure on Mexico’s resources.

The bishops have stressed the emotional toll these policies have taken on migrants and their families. Bishop Eugenio Andrés Lira Rugarcía, head of the CEM’s migration ministry, and Bishop Héctor Mario Pérez Villarreal, secretary-general of the CEM, outlined this impact in a recent statement. They highlighted the widespread “anguish, pain, fear, and uncertainty” that migrants are experiencing and reaffirmed their commitment to providing aid. Despite their efforts, the Church and related organizations are struggling to keep up with the rising demand.

Currently, the Catholic Church in Mexico operates 54 shelters, 12 soup kitchens, and five information centers to support migrants. These facilities aim to provide both immediate assistance, like food and shelter, and longer-term aid, such as helping migrants reconnect with their families in Mexico. However, the rapid increase in deportees has left these resources overstretched.

Across the border, faith and advocacy organizations in the United States are also stepping up their efforts. In El Paso, Texas—a city deeply impacted by recent policy changes—Bishop Mark Seitz has openly criticized Trump’s executive orders. He denounced policies like immigration raids in schools and churches, describing them as actions that “strike fear into the heart of our community” and raise pressing ethical concerns. His diocese is working to educate migrants on their rights, provide legal support, and offer humanitarian assistance, particularly to those left stranded in Ciudad Juárez, just across the border.

Another significant challenge stems from the shutdown of the CBP One app, which had previously enabled migrants to schedule asylum appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border. The abrupt end of this system has left tens of thousands of migrants in limbo, uncertain of their next steps. This disruption has increased the strain on already overwhelmed border communities and charitable organizations.

Financial resources also remain a critical concern. The Trump administration has reduced funding for programs assisting migrants, including initiatives supported by American bishops. Bishop Daniel Blanco of Costa Rica, who leads the Social Pastoral Observatory of Human Mobility of Mesoamerica and the Caribbean (OSMECA), noted that many organizations are now relying on “divine providence” to continue their work. Groups like OSMECA and Red Clamor are searching for ways to tackle this funding gap while staying committed to migrants’ welfare. Bishop Blanco also expressed serious concerns about reports of individuals being forcibly detained, handcuffed, or denied their right to seek refuge.

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network—a national network of Catholic immigration lawyers—has condemned the new U.S. policies as being against both core American and Catholic values. Anna Gallagher, the organization’s executive director, warned that these measures risk creating a “permanent underclass of stateless individuals.” This critique emphasizes not only the immediate impact on individuals but also the potential long-term effects on communities.

The Mexican bishops are advocating for broader solutions that address root causes of migration while providing resources for those in urgent need. They have called for the Mexican government to develop inclusive strategies that consider input from various groups, including political forces, civic organizations, and religious communities. Their central message is one of unity, urging citizens and organizations to collaborate during this difficult time.

In their February 24 statement, the bishops also pointed out that many of Mexico’s challenges are domestic in nature, noting, “The real enemy is in our own country where we need authentic national unity to overcome our problems.” This acknowledgment highlights the links between immigration and deeper social and economic issues within Mexico.

The Catholic Church is adapting its efforts to provide aid while advocating for policies rooted in human dignity. Continuing concerns include the difficulty of funding vital services for deported individuals, maintaining shelter capacities, and responding to legal obstacles created by new U.S. regulations. Meanwhile, Church leaders are carefully balancing their criticism of immigration policies with the practical need to maintain partnerships with governments.

Moving forward, the Church’s role will likely be a key factor in how Mexico and other affected countries manage the growing migration crisis. Individuals deported under Trump’s policies face rebuilding their lives in challenging circumstances, and the support offered by religious and charitable organizations will be essential. For the Church, reaffirming its commitment to protecting migrants while adapting to limited resources will be critical.

As President Claudia Sheinbaum continues her response to these issues, her leadership will play an important part in shaping Mexico’s approach. By fostering cooperative methods and supporting comprehensive reforms, her administration has the chance to provide meaningful solutions for those affected. The Mexican bishops have expressed hope that national unity, government initiatives like “Mexico Embraces You,” and continued collaboration will send a clear message that deported individuals are not forgotten.

The challenges of adapting to the policies under Trump’s administration are immense. From financial strain to overburdened shelters, the Catholic Church and other organizations must find ways to sustain their efforts. Nevertheless, their collective response has already provided critical aid to countless individuals. As this crisis unfolds, Mexico’s bishops, President Sheinbaum, and the broader community have the opportunity to set an example of compassion and resolve in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.

To learn more about related U.S. immigration policies, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for official updates and resources. For international readers, credible platforms like VisaVerge.com provide further insights into how these developments affect migration trends, ensuring individuals stay informed during this unprecedented period.

Learn Today

Executive Orders → Legal mandates issued by the U.S. president to manage operations, often impacting policies like immigration procedures and enforcement.
Remain in Mexico Policy → U.S. program requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their immigration applications are processed.
Deportations → Forced removal of individuals from one country back to their country of origin, often due to immigration violations.
CBP One App → Mobile application used to schedule asylum appointments at the U.S.-Mexico border; recently discontinued, causing disruptions.
Humanitarian Assistance → Support provided to individuals in crisis, including shelter, food, and legal aid, addressing their immediate and long-term needs.

This Article in a Nutshell

Faced with surging U.S. deportations under Trump’s immigration policies, Mexico’s Catholic Church leads in aiding returnees. Overwhelmed shelters, limited resources, and migrant anguish push the Church to advocate unity and human dignity. Collaboration between President Sheinbaum’s “Mexico Embraces You” program and Church initiatives offers hope, highlighting compassion’s power amidst this humanitarian crisis.
— By VisaVerge.com