The Church, Immigration, and ICE
Image: Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, meet at the Vatican Feb. 9, 2026. (CNS/Vatican Media)
I have had some dialogues recently with parishioners who want to learn more about the issues surrounding Immigration and the Church’s response locally and beyond. The actions of the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have also caused great distress for many of us. So, here are some helpful links which include thoughts by Pope Leo, Archbishop Sample, myself, Dcn. Brett, as well as biblical sources and things one can do.
Foundational, the Church has expressed three principles that need to be in play for the sake of justice:
First Principle: People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families.
Second Principle: A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration.
Third Principle: A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy.
Sadly, in the debates I have heard from the main political parties, hyperbole reigns. Such speech has made it difficult to cut to the core of the issues which the Church has articulated well over the centuries. So, I offer you some of the most recent things that have been shared by the Church locally and beyond.
Helpful links:
Recent meeting with Archbishop Sample and Pope Leo: https://www.usccb.org/news/2026/pope-supports-solidarity-immigrants-us-catholics-must-stand-together-archbishop-says
Similar article with Pope Leo and Archbishop: https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/pope-supports-solidarity-immigrants-us-catholics-must-stand-together-archbishop-says
Recent Interview with Archbishop Sample Regarding Issues with Immigration and Religious Liberty: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2711440532539221
Archbishop Sample's Statement on ICE Activity in Oregon: https://archdpdx.org/statement-on-recent-ice-activity-in-oregon
Fr. Bill's reflection on Immigration: https://www.frbill.org/frbillblog/2025/10/27/catholicism-and-immigration
Fr. Bill's Friday Reflection on Immigration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8oEqEssCek&list=PLkt5fqzabXYpdxWA_tcjzZxlmNG4t_M2R&index=14
Dcn. Brett’s Homily Related to ICE and Immigration: https://www.frbill.org/frbillpodcast/2025/11/24/fbp-1003-christ-is-king
USCCB's Teaching on Immigration: https://www.usccb.org/committees/migration/immigration
Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration and the Movement of Peoples: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/catholic-teaching-on-immigration-and-the-movement-of-peoples
Blessings,
Fr. William Holtzinger
Pastor
