Archbishop Jos\u00e9 G\u00f3mez is not a stranger to speaking on immigration issues. \u00a0As Archbishop of Los Angeles while the press shows protests and riots in the city, he has issued the statement below.<\/p>\n
I echo the sentiments of the Archbishop, that Congress has failed to pass immigration reform for forty years. \u00a0This system, \u201cleads so many to seek to cross our borders illegally.\u201d \u00a0 I feel like a broken record explaining to people who yell, \u201clet them get in line! they need to come here legally!\u201d that there is no line for the vast majority of immigrants who greatly contribute to our nation.<\/p>\n
Even in little Savannah, Georgia where I am pastor, immigration enforcement has been swift in the past two weeks. \u00a0Despite what one may hear, immigration is not only targeting people with criminal backgrounds \u2013 everyone is being rounded up in the area. \u00a0Despite cries that immigrants are milking the system, most of the raids have been at construction sites. \u00a0Immigration agents are \u00a0scouting areas where latinos gather, including churches. \u00a0The local press reports nothing.<\/p>\n
Now, the statement:<\/p>\n
June 6, 2025<\/p>\n
\u201cI am troubled by today\u2019s immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles, and I am praying for our community. I pray tonight that everyone involved will exercise restraint and calm.<\/p>\n
We all agree that we don\u2019t want undocumented immigrants who are known terrorists or violent criminals in our communities. But there is no need for the government to carry out enforcement actions in a way that provokes fear and anxiety among ordinary, hard-working immigrants and their families.<\/p>\n
Again, I urge Congress to get serious about fixing our broken immigration system that leads so many to seek to cross our borders illegally.<\/p>\n
Other nations have a coherent immigration policy that respects the natural rights of people to emigrate in search of a better life and also ensures control of their borders. America should too. It\u2019s been almost 40 years since the last reform of our immigration laws. That\u2019s too long and it\u2019s time to do something about that.<\/p>\n
May Our Lady of Guadalupe continue to watch over her children and pray for America.\u201d<\/p>\n