The Catholic Bishops of Colorado are advocating for changes to the immigration system and reaffirming their commitment to assisting immigrants in light of the New Administration’s announcement this week that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will now be permitted to enter schools and churches to make immigration arrests.
“The call to welcome the stranger is woven into the fabric of our faith and standing with immigrants. Our first concern is that they know and love Jesus Christ, and we recognize the dignity of their humanity, but we also recognize the responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities,” Brittany Vessely, the executive director of the Colorado Catholic Conference, stated.
According to Vessely, the three dioceses provide assistance to thousands of immigrants through the San Juan Diego ministry, which is part of the Archdiocese of Denver.
“This is through education, family support, leadership formation and Catholic Charities even partnered in 2024 with the City of Denver to open the Mullen home for hundreds of migrant families,” Vessely stated. “So the Catholic Church continues to open our doors to migrant families that are coming into our state and make sure that they are welcomed and able to celebrate their love for Jesus Christ.”
Vessely stated that they are still waiting for the New Administration to provide further information and direction regarding churches serving as safe spaces.
“Well, there was a 2021 memo on immigration enforcement and protected areas, which included schools. It included religious places, and that was an effect until recently. So, we have not seen the 2025 memo, or what concerns will be around that,” she stated. “We know there might be First Amendment concerns with enforcement and religious institutions, but right now, there’s not a lot of clarity.”
She stated that the bishops of the Catholic Church continue to uphold the belief that they welcome outsiders as a principle of the Catholic faith, while also acknowledging “the sovereignty of the nation.”
Vessely also stated that the Bishops are worried about a policy that would let people to cross the U.S.-Mexico border without restrictions.
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“Our bishops are also very concerned about the over 500,000 minors who were unaccompanied on the border, and 75% of them have been victimized by sexual abuse, as well as the 17,000 pounds of fentanyl that have come into our country from October 2022 to April 2023,” she stated.
Vessely stated that they continue to be dedicated to assisting immigrants while also advocating for enhancements to the immigration system.
