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Archbishop Coakley’s letter urges Trump to pause Haiti deportations
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In Short: Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City wrote to President Trump, urging him to halt deportations of Haitians amid rising violence in the country.
Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City wrote to President Trump, urging him to halt deportations of Haitians amid rising violence in the country. Coakley, who serves as the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), cited recent attacks in Haiti, including a fatal attack in Port-au-Prince, as reasons for his plea. He emphasized the dangers faced by Haitians being forcibly repatriated and called for a pause in deportations until a safer system is in place.
Coakley detailed the violence, noting that 'perhaps worst of all, the victims were displaced families—young children among them—taking shelter at a church.' He urged Trump to 'avoid further endangering innocent human life by ceasing the deportation of large numbers of people to Haiti at this time.' The archbishop also acknowledged that the issues in Haiti are complex and multifaceted, and pledged continued support for reforming immigration laws.
The U.S. bishops echoed the archbishop's concerns, with Pope Leo XIV's words on the situation also cited. Archbishop Stefan Hesse of Hamburg, who toured the U.S.–Mexico border, drew parallels between the border fortifications and the Berlin Wall, expressing concern over the humanitarian situation. Hesse's observations highlight the broader context of border issues and their impact on families.
In related news, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis issued a dispensation from Mass attendance for those affected by increased ICE activity, recognizing the concerns of families being torn apart by immigration policies. Archbishop Thompson noted that the dispensation remains in effect until September 30, 2026, unless extended by further decree, emphasizing the ongoing impact of these policies on communities.
What's still developing
- “As citizens of this great country, we have been entrusted with a tremendous moral responsibility, and this is true most of all for you as our head of state, Mr. President,” Coakley said.
- “Recently, at least 47 people were brutally murdered, more than 20 injured, and over 50 kidnapped in an unconscionable act of violence perpetrated by gang members in Port-au-Prince,” Coakley said.
- Due to the attacks, and following the end of temporary protected status (TPS) for Haitians living in the United States, Coakley urged Trump to exercise his authority under the Constitution to delay deportations for Haitians living and working in the United States.
- “I very much wish this recent and tragic example of human life being extinguished, virtually with impunity, was an irregularity in Haiti. Unfortunately, it is not,” Coakley said.
- “I also acknowledge that the troubles in Haiti long precede your time in office, in addition to being complex and multifaceted,” he said.
- “Beyond this short-term relief, you can be assured of the U.S. bishops’ abiding support and prayers for the long-overdue reform of our nation’s immigration laws,” Coakley said.
- The U.S. bishops “pledge to continue working with your Administration and Congress to achieve this for the benefit of our country and all Americans,” Coakley said.
- “In a way, the inhumanity and massiveness of these border fortifications reminded me of the Berlin Wall, which divided the German capital for nearly 30 years and caused great suffering for the people living there,” Archbishop Hesse told OSV News in an Aug. 31 interview.
Sources
- Religionnewslink