Florida’s Catholic bishops asked for a brief Christmas pause in immigration raids, appealing to ideas like mercy, dignity, and not terrorizing families during the holidays. The Trump administration responded by reiterating that deportations will continue uninterrupted, proving once again that even Christmas is no match for a spreadsheet labeled “repatriations.”
“A climate of fear and anxiety is infecting not only the irregular migrant but also family members and neighbors who are legally in the country,” Wenski added.
“Since these effects are part of enforcement operations, we request that the government pause apprehension and round-up activities during the Christmas season. Such a pause would show a decent regard for the humanity of these families.”
Responding via email, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson did not mention the holiday season in her two-sentence reply.
“President Trump was elected based on his promise to the American people to deport criminal illegal aliens. And he’s keeping that promise,” Jackson wrote.
Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski warned that mass enforcement now sweeps up noncriminal workers and spreads fear far beyond undocumented communities, including among citizens and legal residents. The White House’s reply, delivered without any mention of Christmas, goodwill, or the Incarnation, emphasized only that The Orange Menace promised deportations and deportations we shall receive. Holiday spirit is optional; humanity is not included. Fah Who Doraze to you too!
Dignity, Empathy, and the Incarnation (DEI) are anathema to the Trump administration.