Catholic Charities Addresses Immigration Concerns Amidst Rising Fears
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York recently organized a multi-agency immigration information phone bank to address growing anxiety within the immigrant community, particularly among parents worried about potential family separations.
J. Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Catholic Charities New York, highlighted the urgency of these concerns: “More than 1.5 million children in New York have immigrant parents, and they live in fear of the system dismantling their families.” He emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing essential support, including legal assistance, counseling, and workforce development, to help immigrants navigate life in New York.
The event took place at the Community Services Headquarters in Lower Manhattan, where 56 volunteers from Catholic Charities and partner organizations answered calls on April 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. This initiative was executed in collaboration with the New York City Department of Immigration Affairs, the New York State Office of New Americans, the Consulate General of Mexico, and the New York Legal Assistance Group. The primary goal was to provide immigrants with accurate information and guidance in a climate of heightened enforcement concerns.
In the past year, Catholic Charities and its partners have responded to over 42,000 hotline inquiries, demonstrating an ongoing need for accessible legal information and social support, according to local advocates. Fernandez emphasized that collaboration is crucial for effective outreach. Faiza Ali, director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, remarked that initiatives like these are fundamental for facilitating access to reliable information.
Outreach Initiatives Reflect Current Political Climate
Ali, who was recently appointed by Mayor Zoran Mamdani, shared details about their initiatives, including a “Know Your Rights” video campaign featuring interactions with ICE, promoting their immigration hotline, and distributing over 30,000 informational booklets. She noted that the current political atmosphere has significantly influenced the demand for such services.
“Many immigrant families living in New York are engulfed by fear—fear of enforcement, fear of family separation, and even fear of reaching out for help,” Ali stated. This pervasive anxiety is often compounded by widespread misinformation, which hinders access to available services and protections.
Hotline organizers have observed a marked increase in concerns regarding deportation and legal representation. Liz Marcusi, director of hotline services for Catholic Charities, noted an emotional shift in the calls received over the past year: “We are hearing from individuals who are feeling lonely and desperate. Their anxiety is palpable.”
Adapting Outreach Strategies to Changing Needs
Marcusi indicated to the National Catholic Reporter that Catholic Charities is adapting its outreach strategies based on call trends. “We are increasingly hearing from families anxious about their children and the potential consequences of a parent’s detention,” she said. This shift has led the organization to prioritize outreach to families uncertain about their legal status and rights.
“Many individuals are unsure about what legal processes to expect,” she added. “The concerns revolve around whether they will receive their due process and whether their granted permissions to reside in the U.S. could be revoked.” The pervasive question remains: “Am I safe and able to live here with permission?”
Organizers have indicated plans for additional events in the future to cater to the evolving needs of the immigrant community.
State Officials Emphasize the Importance of Accurate Information
State officials echoed concerns about the necessity for accurate information access. Cindy Treminio, deputy director of operations for New Americans in New York, stated that their office is expanding support for immigrants seeking assistance. She noted that the issue of legal representation frequently arises during hotline calls. This particular phone bank also marked the first collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in New York.
Consul Diego Sandoval from Mexico’s Civil Protection Agency expressed deep concern about the recent deaths of 15 Mexicans in ICE custody since January 2025, stating, “This issue weighs heavily on the heart of President Claudia Sheinabam.” Alejandro Cabrera Clemente, the latest casualty, died while in custody on April 11, making him the 47th person to die in ICE custody under the current administration. This tragic report comes amid escalating detentions, reaching an all-time high of approximately 70,000 detainees.
An analysis by ABC News of ICE data revealed that the first 14 months of Donald Trump’s second term registered as “the deadliest period in federal custody since the COVID-19 pandemic,” with a stark death rate increase documented. Sandoval insisted that these alarming deaths necessitate accountability and transparency, stating, “We believe, alongside our allies and Catholic Charities, that every human life holds immense value, and any loss warrants serious reflection and accountability.”
As a response to these distressing fatalities, the Mexican government has sought formal diplomatic channels to demand comprehensive investigations and timely access to crucial information regarding the incidents.
