White House turns down bishops’ request to pause immigration enforcement over holidays.
Florida Catholic bishops, led by Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski and joined by seven other members of the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, sent a formal letter to President Donald Trump on Monday requesting a pause in immigration‑enforcement activities during the Christmas holiday period. The letter noted that border security efforts had largely addressed dangerous criminal elements and argued that mass apprehensions would continue to affect non‑criminal immigrants seeking lawful work. The bishops asked that enforcement be temporarily suspended to reduce fear and anxiety among families, migrants, and the broader community.
The White House responded via spokesperson Abigail Jackson, who sent a concise email confirming that President Trump remained committed to deporting criminal illegal aliens and that government operations would continue as usual. The response did not reference the holiday season or the requested pause.
Archbishop Wenski has a public record of advocating for human‑centered immigration policies, including participation in a Georgetown University panel that criticized family‑separating practices. He has highlighted the contributions of immigrants to sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and construction, emphasizing the need for rational and humane enforcement measures.
In addition to his ecclesiastical work, Wenski has collaborated with the Knights of Columbus’ “Knights on Bikes” ministry, which provides spiritual support to detainees at Florida’s Everglades immigration detention center, known colloquially as “Alligator Alcatraz.” He has led prayers in and around the facility and has obtained permission to celebrate Mass for detainees, underscoring the dignity he sees in all individuals.
The appeal remains unaccepted by the White House, and immigration enforcement is continuing for the holiday season. No further action has been announced by the administration.