Tallahassee, Florida — Florida’s Catholic bishops are urging President Donald Trump to temporarily halt immigration enforcement actions during the Christmas holiday season, appealing to humanitarian concerns as federal crackdowns continue nationwide. In a joint letter sent Monday to Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the bishops asked for a pause in deportations and arrests, arguing that such a move would reflect compassion toward immigrant families facing separation during the holidays.
The bishops wrote that suspending enforcement would show “a decent regard for the humanity of these families” and warned against what they described as unnecessary suffering tied to aggressive immigration actions. Their appeal comes as the Trump administration has intensified deportation efforts, including arrests near churches, hospitals, and schools after rescinding prior restrictions on enforcement at so-called sensitive locations.
The White House swiftly rejected the request. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said Trump was elected on a promise to deport “criminal illegal aliens” and intends to continue fulfilling that commitment. A spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis did not immediately respond to the bishops’ letter.
While administration officials maintain the crackdown is focused on dangerous criminals, government data shows a growing share of those arrested have no criminal charges beyond immigration violations. Critics argue the policy sweeps too broadly, while supporters say it restores the rule of law.
The Florida bishops’ statement follows a broader rebuke issued last month by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which condemned the administration’s immigration policies and called for meaningful reform. Despite religious opposition and signs of public unease, the administration has signaled plans to expand enforcement efforts in the coming year.
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