Vice President JD Vance has criticized the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for their denouncement of the Trump administration’s recent immigration measures. Vance suggested the church may have financial interests at heart, rather than humanitarian ones.
During his debut interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” since taking office on January 20, Vance defended the immigration-related orders implemented under President Trump, stating they were a fulfillment of campaign promises.
Shortly after Trump’s inauguration, a policy was withdrawn that had previously prevented U.S. immigration agents from making arrests at or near sensitive locations such as schools and places of worship. Vance argued that this, along with other immigration measures, gives law enforcement the power to protect Americans everywhere.
These first few days of the Trump administration saw about 200 executive actions take place, including the controversial denial of birthright citizenship to the children of unauthorized immigrants and temporary visa holders – a move that faces multiple legal obstacles. Other executive actions, such as the order concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), could also face legal scrutiny.
The order regarding churches and schools sparked outrage from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Mark J. Seitz, the Migration Committee Chairman, told CBS News “Many of these policies we see going against the basic tenets of our faith.”
Vance, a practicing Catholic himself, expressed disappointment at the bishops’ disapproval. He voiced his criticism of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, stating they have not been supportive of “common sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for.”
When questioned about whether he backed immigration agents entering churches and schools for law enforcement purposes, Vance responded that he supports action against violent criminals, regardless of their immigration status, for public safety reasons.
Vance questioned whether the bishops were more concerned about their financial interests, given they received over $100 million for immigrant resettlement. He expressed his hope that, as a dedicated Catholic, they would improve their actions.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops responded by stating their commitment to serving refugees, in line with Jesus Christ’s teachings. They highlighted their long-standing partnership with the federal government in resettling refugees since 1980, adding that the funds they receive are insufficient to cover the entire cost of these programs.
The Trump administration also suspended some federal funding for faith-based refugee resettlement agencies, following an indefinite halt on refugee admissions to the U.S. Additionally, orders were issued to enlist military assistance in border enforcement, increase detention facilities for deportees, and enhance partnerships with local law enforcement authorities.
