The bishops expressed concerns of reports that pregnant women in detention have miscarried and some nursing mothers have lost access to their children.

The U.S. has been restricting visas for religious freedom violators, a key State Department adviser said.

The U.S. has been restricting visas for religious freedom violators, a key State Department adviser said.

Three influential American cardinals spoke about the Church under Pope Leo XIV in an interview on “60 Minutes” that looked at rising conversions, patriotism, the Iran war, and immigration enforcement.

Three influential American cardinals spoke about the Church under Pope Leo XIV in an interview on “60 Minutes” that looked at rising conversions, patriotism, the Iran war, and immigration enforcement.

Politicians and faith leaders around the world condemned President Donald Trump’s comments about the American pontiff.

Politicians and faith leaders around the world condemned President Donald Trump’s comments about the American pontiff.

President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from U.S. bishops and elected officials.

President Donald Trump called Leo “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy” in a lengthy social media post April 12 that drew response from U.S. bishops and elected officials.

WASHINGTON - Reports detailing harmful conditions faced by pregnant and postpartum mothers detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have become more frequent, despite existing policy that discourages the arrest and detention of such women in most cases.

In response to these reports, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities, and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, wrote to recently confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and Mr. Todd Lyons, senior official performing the duties of the Director at ICE.

The two bishops urged ICE to abide consistently by its existing policy, avoiding the arrest and detention of pregnant and postpartum mothers, absent exceptional circumstances. They went on to state:

“No matter one’s immigration status, there is no overarching justification for separating nursing infants from their mothers or endangering the health and safety of pregnant women or their preborn babies. In this regard, we urge you in the strongest possible terms to extend the Administration’s commitments on life to all vulnerable mothers, infants, and children in the womb.”

The bishops also took the opportunity to congratulate the Secretary on his confirmation and assured him of their prayers as he continues his service to the country.

The full text of their letter may be found on the USCCB’s website. 

Their letter follows a joint statement made last May by Bishop Thomas and Bishop Cahill’s predecessor on pregnant and postpartum mothers and infants in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody, as well as a statement by Bishop Thomas in January, welcoming pro-life actions taken by the Administration.

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