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Via a infrequent formal message, America's Catholic bishop leadership has released a strong condemnation of the Trump administration's border enforcement measures.

Special Message Expresses Significant Apprehension

Church leaders stated being disturbed by risks to the sacred nature of religious sites and the special nature of healthcare centers and learning establishments.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good.

Atmosphere of Anxiety

Within their declaration, the church leaders described what they termed "a atmosphere of anxiety around questions of discrimination" and immigration enforcement.

They revealed being disheartened by the present discourse and demonization of immigrants, while resisting what they referred to as "the blanket expulsion of people."

Other Worries

Church authorities also expressed serious worries about:

• Conditions in border holding facilities
• Arbitrary removal of official documentation for some migrants
• Lack of comprehensive immigration system improvements

Policy Changes

Federal authorities has advanced an tough immigration approach since assuming power, including eliminating policies that curtailed immigration detentions near designated sites such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

International Context

The declaration echoes equivalent concerns made by the Vatican leader, who has called for "serious consideration about the way foreign nationals are being handled in the US under Trump."

Wider Consequences

This marks the initial official declaration of its kind in over a decade, highlighting the seriousness of the church leaders' worries about existing enforcement approaches.