08/03/2026
STATEMENT FROM BISHOP GRUSS:
Given the recent ICE events in Saginaw, some that occurred within the shadow of the Chancery, it is necessary to respond. As Catholics, we believe that all persons are created in the image and likeness of God and therefore, have an inherent human dignity. Every human person, migrant or otherwise, must be treated as such. Disregard for this should never be normalized in our society. This is a core teaching of our faith and one we can never grow weary of proclaiming as disciples of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Acts that diminish or disregard the dignity of any person or group of people should never be normalized in our society. The dehumanization of immigrants, regardless of their legal status, is one such example of this; the vilification of law enforcement officers is yet another.” [USCCB Statement]
Yes, the legitimate role of civil authorities to implement the law in a humane manner, respecting the fundamental human rights, is part of a just society, but must always include due process. The power of the state must always be exercised within the limits of moral law.
The United States has consistently received immigrants, refugees, exiles, and the persecuted from other lands throughout her history. The challenge is how to deal with a situation when one Administration has allowed individuals and families to migrate to the United States freely and the next Administration wants their removal. It is understandable to remove immigrants who have caused harm to society by participating in criminal activity. But is it fair to remove those who are and have been contributing to society in a positive way, often times for many years?
One should easily understand why people want to migrate to the United States to pursue a better, safer life. Perhaps Congress should remove the politics, do its work, and take the bold steps necessary to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Our system has been broken for more than 40 years, and our government leaders do not seem to want to try and fix the problem. Herein, lies the problem.
Everyone, regardless of immigration status, has constitutional rights, including due process, protection against discrimination, and protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Protecting the rights and freedoms for every person must be a priority if we are to be a just and civil society.
The deportation of people without cause, the detention of immigrants without meaningful legal representation, without access to family or a supportive community, and without basic human needs being met, and the forced separation of immigrant families and incarceration of children do not represent a just and civil society.
May people of faith and all people of good will push for public policy changes that secure civil rights for all immigrants, for humane border enforcement policies that, while protecting the security of this nation, emphasize the safety and dignity of immigrants, and offer a legal, safe, and orderly alternative for those seeking to cross our borders for work.
In doing so, it will help our nation move forward with a renewed commitment to recognize the inherent dignity of every human person, each one of us, a child of God.
