Immigration officials have promised to not target metro area churches this holiday season, according to the metro’s Catholic leader.
In a statement Tuesday, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said Department of Homeland Security officials recently reiterated to archdiocesan representatives that action would not be taken unless there is an imminent public safety threat.
“We are unaware of any enforcement actions in our parishes and schools in these past weeks and months and have no reason to believe that will change,” Hebda said.
Gov. Tim Walz, joined by faith leaders and other public officials at a press conference on Tuesday, said he would “not put it past” immigration officials to target midnight Mass services or to step up actions during other parts of the holiday season, according to KARE 11.
“Public safety is strongest when law enforcement can focus on real threats and when communities trust that they will be treated fairly and with dignity,” Walz said. “What we are seeing from the Trump Administration is not about safety — it is political theater that creates fear and weakens trust.”
Hebda emphasized the role of Catholic churches as places of refuge for all.
“We are at a moment in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God,” Hebda said. “That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for carrying out our laws.”
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