A group of Roman Catholic bishops with ties to the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission have criticized the treatment of immigrants, particularly highlighting the lack of access to religious sacraments such as communion for detainees. Bishop Robert Barron, a commission member who previously addressed the White House in May, has raised concerns about this issue with senior officials at the State Department and Homeland Security. The bishops argue that the current policies fail to ensure detainees can maintain their religious practices, which they view as essential for their spiritual wellbeing.
These criticisms come amid growing national debates about immigration policies and their humanitarian implications. The bishops have called for a more humane approach, stating that the lack of access to religious sacraments is a significant oversight in the administration’s handling of immigration matters. Their concerns reflect broader discussions about the role of the church in addressing social issues and the extent to which religious rights are upheld in detention facilities.
The administration has not yet responded to these specific concerns, but the bishops’ involvement highlights the ongoing tensions between religious freedom and immigration enforcement. As part of the Religious Liberty Commission, these bishops have been advocates for expanding religious rights in various policy areas, and their current stance underscores their commitment to ensuring that detainees’ religious needs are met. This situation continues to draw attention to the intersection of faith, politics, and immigration policy in the United States.