The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a declaration in which he rejects “false claims” that Catholic nonprofit organizations are complicit in human trafficking, smuggling, fostering or exploiting children across the country’s southern border.
“Catholic organizations cooperate in providing humanitarian aid with local, state and federal officials,” the bishops’ statement read. “This includes working with law enforcement to identify and counter criminal activity, such as human trafficking, and assisting those who have been victims of crime.”
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According to the bishops, federal agencies often rely on Catholic organizations as “trusted partners within local communities.” Those agencies include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of Homeland Security Investigations.
The bishops’ statement comes as public officials in Texas and elsewhere have scrutinized Catholic nonprofits over their activities to help migrants entering the United States across the border with Mexico. Millions of people have entered the United States illegally in recent years, and many have also applied for asylum status.
“Catholic doctrine distinguishes between people and their actions,” the statement reads. “Every person, whether native or immigrant, documented or undocumented, is imbued by God with the same dignity. “Catholics are obligated by Holy Scripture and the doctrine of the Church to recognize all as brothers and sisters and to serve them accordingly.”
According to the bishops, Catholic nonprofit organizations provide “spiritual, social and legal services” to those entering the country. This includes helping migrants meet their legal obligations and working to protect vulnerable people from exploitation, such as human trafficking. Organizations also provide additional support, such as shelter and medical assistance.
“Like all organizations that receive public funds, Catholic organizations are expected to adhere to the requirements for the use of those funds, in accordance with applicable laws and Church teaching,” the statement added.
The bishops referred to accusations that nonprofits are complicit in child trafficking as “completely antithetical to their efforts.” Rather, the bishops stated that migrant children can only be placed with a sponsor through the federal government, a process that Catholic organizations assist federal officials with.
“Accusations that the Church is betraying the United States, violating its tax-exempt status, or seeking new members through its ministries that serve newcomers are nothing new,” the bishops added. “Anti-Catholic bias, political motivations and misinformation have long supported these claims. However, helping newcomers is one of the corporal works of mercy and is an integral part of Catholic identity.”
In February, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued a Catholic non-profit organization called Annunciation House based on accusations that the organization facilitates illegal immigration, harbors people who entered the country illegally and engaged in human trafficking. Annunciation House denied those allegations and a judge blocked Paxton’s effort to revoke the group’s license to operate. Later, Paxton appealed the decision and continued to investigate the nonprofit.
Paxton is also investigating Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley based on allegations that the group is facilitating illegal immigration. Paxton is Protestant, but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who asked Paxton to investigate nonprofits that could be facilitating illegal immigration, is Catholic.
In June, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who is Catholic, vetoed $1 million in funding for Catholic Charities based on accusations that it has facilitated illegal immigration.
In April, Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, Catholic, and Rep. Mónica de la Cruz, R-Texas, Protestant, accused Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio of inappropriately using federal funds to provide airfare to migrants. . José Antonio Fernández, executive director of Catholic Charities San Antonio, he told CNA on that occasion —EWTN News English agency—that providing airfare to migrants does not violate subsidy rules.
Former immigration judge Andrew Arthur, a Catholic and current fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, told CNA that he believes it is appropriate to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, “follow the evidence” and respond accordingly.
“I don’t think anyone would claim that these problems are system-wide, but it is one of those things that is appropriate for state and federal governments to look at to make sure there are no violations of the law and that funds are being used appropriately.” ”Arthur said.
The Bishop of El Paso, Bishop Mark Seitz, who leads the USCCB Immigration Committee, has criticized the Texas state government’s efforts to restrict border crossings. He also criticized President Joe Biden’s executive action in June to prevent migrants from entering the country as border crossings increase.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in CNA.
Tyler Arnold
Tyler Arnold is a reporter for the National Catholic Register. He previously worked at The Center Square and has published in various outlets, including The Associated Press, National Review, The American Conservative and The Federalist.