Tennessee’s three bishops from the Tennessee Catholic Conference pushed back on actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during recent sweeps of Nashville communities, while faith leaders from another group condemned “harassment” of Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell by Republican leaders.
In a joint statement, Bishops J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, David P. Talley of Memphis and Mark Beckman of Knoxville said May traffic dragnets in predominantly immigrant neighborhoods of Nashville have “spread fear.”
“We are particularly concerned by reports that recent enforcement efforts in the Nashville area have extended beyond individuals charged with serious crimes or those subject to final deportation orders,” the statement said. “In the current climate, many individuals face a lack of due process, which contributes to widespread fear, especially the fear of being detained while simply attending Mass or participating in parish life.”
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