In the heart of Los Angeles, a powerful voice is urging the U.S. government to rethink how it handles immigration.
Archbishop José H. Gómez, a leading figure in the Catholic Church and a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, is calling on federal officials to show more humanity and less haste when it comes to deportations.
“Every Person Deserves to Be Seen”
Archbishop Gómez isn’t asking for open borders or chaos.
What he wants is fairness. He’s urging the government to avoid broad, impersonal deportations and instead take the time to consider each immigrant’s story individually.
He believes that behind every case is a human being with hopes, struggles, and families — not just a number in a system.
“We need to treat people with dignity,” he said, emphasizing that quick, mass deportations often tear apart families and hurt communities.
The Reality in Immigrant Communities
Los Angeles is home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the United States.
Many have lived in the city for decades, contributing to its economy and culture.
But in recent months, growing fears of sudden deportations have unsettled families — some with children who are U.S. citizens, others caring for elderly relatives or working essential jobs.
The Archbishop is especially concerned about immigrants with deep roots in their neighborhoods being deported without due process. “We can’t forget the human cost,” he said.
A Longtime Advocate for Immigration Reform
This isn’t a new issue for Archbishop Gómez.
Over the years, he has consistently spoken out in support of comprehensive immigration reform, urging lawmakers to find lasting, bipartisan solutions.
He’s also been vocal about protecting Dreamers and creating more pathways to citizenship.
But his latest call to action is focused on stopping mass deportations that, in his view, disregard the individual lives at stake.
Urging Lawmakers to Take Action
Archbishop Gómez is directing his appeal to both Congress and the White House.
He wants to see policy that is just, humane, and based on the core American value of giving everyone a fair chance.
“America has always been a land of hope for those fleeing violence or seeking a better life,” he said. “We should live up to that promise.”
The Broader Church Response
Other leaders in the Catholic Church have echoed Gómez’s message.
The Church has long supported immigrant communities, offering aid through shelters, food programs, and legal help.
Gómez’s remarks come at a time when political debate around the border is growing increasingly heated.
But for him, the issue isn’t about politics — it’s about people.
Final Thoughts
In a time when national conversations are often driven by fear and division, Archbishop Gómez is reminding us of a simple, powerful principle: people deserve to be treated with respect.
His message to the federal government is clear — stop the sweeping deportations and take a closer, more compassionate look at the lives behind each immigration case.