Catholic Democrats Step Into Immigration Debate With Faith Based Appeal

More than 40 Catholic Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have publicly laid out where they stand on immigration, and they’re framing it squarely through the lens of their faith.

In a joint statement released as tensions rise in Washington over immigration funding and enforcement, the lawmakers said they feel “called in solidarity” to stand with migrants, especially those who are poor, vulnerable, or fleeing hardship.

They leaned heavily on Catholic social teaching and recent papal messages to explain why.

The group was led by Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, along with 41 other Catholic Democrats. Not a single Republican signed on.

Faith First Then Politics

The lawmakers grounded their position in three principles long recognized in Catholic teaching. First, that people have a right to migrate to sustain their lives and their families.

Second, that nations have the authority to regulate their borders. And third, that any enforcement must reflect justice and mercy.

They quoted the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” and pointed to recent teachings from both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.

From Pope Francis’ 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees message, they repeated the now well-known four verbs that summarize the Church’s approach to migrants: welcome, protect, promote, and integrate.

They also cited Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Dilexi Te, which reflects on migration and says that when migrants are rejected, it is Christ himself who is turned away.

At the same time, the lawmakers acknowledged the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which affirms that political authorities may regulate immigration for the sake of the common good. Their message tried to strike a balance between compassion and sovereignty.

Sharp Criticism Of Immigration Enforcement

Where the statement became more pointed was in its criticism of current enforcement practices. The signatories accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection of failing to meet what they described as a moral standard rooted in human dignity.

They argued that enforcement actions have led to family separations and the removal of law abiding individuals from communities.

They also referenced two fatal shootings earlier this year involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis, where U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed in separate incidents.

Democratic lawmakers are currently pushing for reforms to ICE and CBP as part of broader negotiations over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

On February 14, a partial government shutdown began after Congress failed to agree on DHS funding, with immigration policy at the center of the dispute.

Some Democrats have called for deep structural reforms, and a small faction continues to argue for abolishing ICE altogether.

Catholic Administration Officials Push Back

Officials in the current administration, who are also Catholic, have rejected claims that enforcement policies violate human dignity.

Border enforcement chief Tom Homan said in December 2025 that officers treat people with dignity and argued that securing the border ultimately saves lives. He has emphasized the fight against fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling as key priorities.

Nathaniel Madden of the Department of Homeland Security similarly defended enforcement policies, saying that respecting dignity and enforcing the law are not mutually exclusive.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has also weighed in. In November 2025, the bishops voted overwhelmingly to oppose what they described as indiscriminate mass deportations, while also condemning violence and dehumanizing rhetoric directed at immigrants or law enforcement.

A Broader Tension Within Catholic Politics

The moment highlights a longstanding tension in American Catholic life. While the bishops have consistently described abortion as a preeminent political priority in recent elections, Catholic Democrats often emphasize social justice issues such as immigration, poverty, and healthcare.

The Democratic Party platform, which supports legal abortion access, remains at odds with official Church teaching on life issues.

Still, immigration has become one of the most emotionally charged and morally framed issues in both parties. Faith based language is increasingly part of that conversation.

In their statement, the Catholic Democrats insisted that immigration policy must be “ordered, humane, and sustainable,” combining realism with compassion.

What’s next?

Congress must still resolve the funding standoff for the Department of Homeland Security. Any final deal could include conditions tied to immigration enforcement practices.

Debates over ICE reform are expected to intensify, especially as election season approaches and immigration remains a top voter concern. Faith leaders, advocacy groups, and administration officials are likely to continue pressing their cases in very public ways.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops may issue further guidance if legislative proposals move forward.

Summary

More than 40 Catholic Democrats in the House of Representatives have issued a faith grounded statement supporting solidarity with migrants and calling for immigration enforcement rooted in justice and mercy.

Led by Representative Rosa DeLauro and joined by Nancy Pelosi and others, the lawmakers cited Catholic social teaching and recent papal writings while criticizing current enforcement practices by ICE and CBP.

The statement comes amid a partial government shutdown and ongoing negotiations over immigration funding and reform.