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Through a rare public statement, America's Catholic bishop leadership has issued a strong condemnation of the White House's border enforcement measures.

Formal Statement Expresses Deep Concern

Church leaders expressed being concerned by risks to the special status of churches and the special nature of medical facilities and educational institutions.

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.

Environment of Apprehension

In their message, the bishops characterized what they termed "a climate of fear around questions of discrimination" and border control measures.

They stated being disappointed by the ongoing debate and vilification of foreign nationals, while opposing what they described as "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people."

Further Issues

Church authorities also expressed major apprehensions about:

• Circumstances in migrant detention facilities
• Arbitrary removal of legal status for certain immigrants
• Insufficiency in meaningful immigration reform

Administrative Shifts

The White House has pursued an tough immigration approach since beginning the term, including rescinding policies that curtailed immigration arrests near protected areas such as places of worship, healthcare establishments and learning institutions.

Worldwide Dimension

The statement parallels equivalent concerns made by the Catholic pontiff, who has urged "thorough contemplation about the way migrants are being treated in the US under the current administration."

Wider Consequences

This represents the initial special message of its nature in more than ten years, underscoring the seriousness of the religious authorities' apprehensions about existing enforcement approaches.