Miami Archbishop Urges ICE to Ease Enforcement So Families Can Celebrate Christmas Without Fear

A call from Catholic leaders in Florida has reignited the national debate over immigration enforcement, compassion, and public safety, as Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski urged federal authorities to allow immigrant families to celebrate Christmas “at peace and without fear.” The appeal, directed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration, comes amid continued enforcement operations that have left many immigrant communities anxious during the holiday season.

In an interview with MS NOW, Archbishop Wenski explained that his request was not about challenging immigration law, but about providing temporary relief during a sacred and family-centered time of year. “It was just about letting the families here in South Florida have a Christmas without having to live in fear or look over their shoulder or miss church because they’re afraid that they might get picked up on their way back,” Wenski said.

The archbishop was joined by seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, who collectively urged the administration to pause or limit enforcement actions around Christmas. The bishops emphasized the spiritual and humanitarian importance of allowing families to attend church services, gather with loved ones, and observe religious traditions without anxiety over potential arrests.

Catholic leaders noted that Christmas holds profound significance for many immigrant families, particularly those from Latin America, where religious observance is central to community life. They argued that fear of enforcement can discourage people from attending Mass, volunteering, or participating in charitable events, undermining both religious freedom and community cohesion.

The plea, however, was met with a firm response from the White House. In a statement to The Associated Press, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement. “President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens,” Jackson said. “And he’s keeping that promise.”

Administration officials have repeatedly emphasized that ICE enforcement targets individuals with criminal records or those who pose public safety risks. Supporters of the policy argue that suspending enforcement, even temporarily, sends the wrong message and weakens the rule of law. They also contend that immigration enforcement and religious observance are not mutually exclusive, noting that ICE has guidelines intended to limit actions at sensitive locations such as churches.

Critics, however, argue that in practice, fear persists regardless of official policy. Immigrant advocates say that even the perception of enforcement activity can deter families from leaving their homes. They stress that many undocumented immigrants have lived in the United States for years, have U.S.-born children, and contribute to their communities, making the threat of separation especially painful during the holidays.

Archbishop Wenski acknowledged the government’s responsibility to enforce the law but urged a balance between enforcement and mercy. He framed the request as a moral appeal consistent with Christian teachings on compassion and human dignity. “This is not about politics,” he said. “It’s about people.”

As Christmas approaches, the exchange highlights the enduring tension between immigration enforcement and humanitarian concerns. While the administration shows no indication of changing its policy, the bishops’ plea has drawn national attention to the emotional and spiritual toll enforcement can take on families during the holiday season. Whether or not enforcement practices shift, the debate underscores how immigration remains not only a political issue, but a deeply human one.