Bishops Urge Congress to Reconsider Gang Member Deportation Bill
U.S. bishops are advocating for Congress to reject legislation that would allow for the deportation of noncitizens identified as gang members based on a “reason to believe” standard. This appeal follows the June 3 decision by the House Judiciary Committee to advance HR 175, also known as the Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which is sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.).
Concerns Over Broad Applicability of the Legislation
Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, voiced significant concerns in a letter directed to Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and ranking member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.). He emphasized that the bill’s expansive language could inadvertently affect not just individuals associated with organized crime, but also dedicated religious workers and immigrants supported by faith communities.
Potential Impact on Religious Workers
Cahill elaborated that the low evidentiary threshold established by HR 175 poses a risk of miscategorizing foreign-born religious personnel, such as priests and nuns, under the proposed deportation criteria. He highlighted the paradox where such religious workers, whose primary role is to serve basic needs within their communities, might face serious repercussions.
Bishops Stress the Need for Dignity and Unity
The U.S. bishops affirmed that while governments have a legitimate duty to protect citizens from crime, immigration policies should also prioritize human dignity, family unity, and basic humanitarian protections. Their opposition to HR 175 is consistent with their established stance on immigration, which advocates for maintaining due process and family cohesion alongside public safety.
Previous Warnings Against Mass Deportations
In November 2025, the bishops publicly denounced “indiscriminate mass deportations,” asserting that such measures not only harm families but also violate human dignity. They have consistently called for a balanced approach to immigration that does not neglect the vulnerable.
Proponents Argue for Enhanced Public Safety
McClintock’s bill proposes that noncitizens suspected of gang affiliation could face deportation and remain ineligible for certain immigration reliefs. Supporters argue that this legislation would strengthen public safety by allowing federal authorities to take decisive action against individuals linked to transnational criminal organizations.
Legal Authorities Already in Place, Says Ranking Member
Conversely, Rep. Raskin pointed out that existing immigration laws already provide adequate authority for deporting convicted members of criminal organizations. He stressed that the current framework allows the government to deny entry to individuals engaging in criminal activities that threaten public safety.
Bishops Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Catholic bishops support the government’s responsibility to protect communities but express concern that HR 175 lacks essential safeguards to ensure justice in immigration enforcement. They caution that establishing whether an individual is tied to a gang can be challenging, often leading to wrongful classifications based on unreliable evidence. The bishops have urged Congress to focus on meaningful, bipartisan reform that upholds protections for vulnerable populations while maintaining the integrity of religious and humanitarian services.
