Archbishop of Los Angeles Claims Trump’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants ‘Is Punishment’

President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration “is not policy, it is punishment,” according to Los Angeles Archbishop José Gómez.

Last week, Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles following sometimes violent protests stemming from his increased efforts to deport unregistered immigrants from the city.

The president’s move has been opposed by both Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles and California Governor Gavin Newsom.

On Tuesday, Bass lifted a curfew on the city that she had imposed last week to prevent vandalism and break-ins during the protests.

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In his statement issued on Angelus News, Gómez said he has “been deeply disturbed” by the reports of federal agents detaining people in public places, apparently without showing warrants or evidence that those they are taking into custody are in the country illegally.

“These actions are causing panic in our parishes and communities. People are staying home from Mass and work, parks and stores are empty, the streets in many neighborhoods are silent. Families are staying behind locked doors, out of fear. This situation is not worthy of a great nation,” the archbishop said.

As the United States prepares to mark Independence Day on July 4, Gómez noted the country “is the first nation founded on principles rooted in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, the truth that all men and women are created equal, with God-given dignity and rights that can never be denied by any government.”

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TAKE ACTION: Contact Archbishop Gomez at 213.637.7534 or office.archbishop@la-archdiocese.org and let him know what you think.