Key Takeaways
• On July 14, 2025, Detroit Catholics marched to demand immigration reform and end ICE raids and deportations.
• The Catholic Church urges humane immigration laws that respect family unity and provide due process.
• Detroit ICE office enforcement causes fear among immigrant families living long-term in the community.
On July 14, 2025, Catholic clergy and lay faithful marched from Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church to the Detroit ICE field office and then to the federal court in Downtown Detroit. Their goal: to demand immigration reform and an end to raids and deportations that they say harm families and communities.
This demonstration, organized by the group Strangers No Longer, brought together people from across the Detroit area. They carried signs, sang hymns, and prayed as they walked, hoping to send a clear message to immigration officials and lawmakers. The marchers requested a meeting with the director of the Detroit ICE field office to discuss the value immigrants bring to the city and to urge more humane treatment for those facing deportation.
Why the Catholic Church Is Taking Action
The Catholic Church has a long history of supporting immigrants. Church leaders say their faith calls them to protect the dignity of every person, no matter where they were born. The Church’s position is clear: it supports comprehensive immigration reform that respects human dignity and keeps families together. At the same time, it encourages people to use legal immigration pathways, but it does not support unnecessary or irregular migration.
In February 2025, Catholic Bishops in Michigan released a pastoral note to migrants. They urged elected officials to back policies that keep immigrant families safe and united. The bishops called for a humane immigration system that provides due process and avoids separating families. This message has been echoed by Catholic leaders across the United States 🇺🇸, who see immigration as both a moral and social issue.
Recent Protests and Community Response
The July march was not the first time Detroit’s Catholic community has spoken out. In early June 2025, dozens of people protested outside the Detroit ICE field office after news broke of ICE raids in Los Angeles. Protesters in Detroit stood in solidarity with the Hispanic community, worried that similar raids could happen in their own city. Many families in Detroit have mixed immigration status, meaning some members are citizens while others are not. This makes the threat of raids and deportations especially frightening.
Father David Buersmeyer, chaplain for Strangers No Longer and Ombudsman for the Office of the Archbishop, explained why these protests matter. “We’re here because we believe every person has dignity,” he said. “We want to make sure immigrants have access to due process and are treated fairly.” According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such advocacy efforts can help raise awareness and put pressure on officials to consider more humane policies.
The Role of the Detroit ICE Field Office
The Detroit ICE field office is responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the region. This includes carrying out raids, detaining people suspected of being in the country without permission, and overseeing deportations. For many immigrant families, the presence of ICE in their neighborhoods creates fear and uncertainty. Some worry about being separated from loved ones or losing their homes and jobs.
Marchers and advocates argue that the Detroit ICE field office should focus on serious threats to public safety, not on families who have lived in the community for years. They say that many immigrants contribute to Detroit’s economy, culture, and neighborhoods. By targeting these families, they believe ICE is doing more harm than good.
Statements from Church Leaders
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger has been outspoken about the need for immigration reform. He says the Church’s actions are rooted in Christian beliefs about human dignity and the worth of every person. “Our faith teaches us to welcome the stranger and care for those in need,” Archbishop Weisenburger said during the march. “We cannot stand by while families are torn apart.”
Father Buersmeyer added that the Church’s advocacy is not just about policy, but about real people. “When we talk about immigration, we’re talking about mothers, fathers, children—people who are part of our community,” he said. “We have a responsibility to stand with them.”
Background: The Push for Immigration Reform
Immigration reform has been a hot topic in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades. Many people agree that the current system is broken, but there is little agreement on how to fix it. The Catholic Church and other faith groups have called for changes that would:
- Create a clear path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the country for years
- Protect families from being separated by deportation
- Ensure fair treatment and due process for all immigrants
- Support legal immigration pathways for those seeking a better life
The Church’s position is based on its belief in the dignity of every person and the importance of family unity. Church leaders say that immigration laws should reflect these values.
Practical Implications for Immigrant Families
For many immigrant families in Detroit, the threat of raids and deportations is a daily reality. Some parents fear dropping their children off at school or going to work, worried they might not come home. Others avoid seeking medical care or reporting crimes because they fear contact with authorities.
Advocates say these fears hurt not just immigrants, but the whole community. When people are afraid to speak up, it becomes harder to keep neighborhoods safe and healthy. Children may struggle in school if they are worried about their parents being taken away. Local businesses may lose workers who are vital to their success.
The Catholic Church and groups like Strangers No Longer are working to change this. They offer “circles of support” in parishes and communities, helping immigrants find legal help, housing, and other resources. They also encourage people to get involved in advocacy, writing letters to lawmakers and attending public meetings.
Policy and Legislative Efforts
While marches and protests draw attention to the issue, real change often happens through policy. The Catholic Church has called on lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform. This means updating laws to reflect the realities of today’s world and the needs of families.
Some of the key changes the Church supports include:
- Pathways to Citizenship: Allowing undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years to apply for legal status and eventually citizenship.
- Family Unity: Making it easier for families to stay together, even if some members do not have legal status.
- Due Process Protections: Ensuring that everyone facing deportation has a fair chance to present their case in court.
- Humane Enforcement: Focusing enforcement efforts on serious criminals, not on families and workers who contribute to their communities.
The Church also works with other organizations, such as the Michigan Catholic Conference and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to provide resources and support for immigrants. These groups offer information about legal rights, help with paperwork, and guidance on how to respond to ICE actions.
For more information about immigration enforcement and your rights, you can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
Community Impact and Voices
The advocacy led by the Catholic Church has had a real impact on Detroit’s immigrant community. Many families say they feel less alone knowing that others are standing with them. Parishes have become places of refuge, offering food, shelter, and legal help to those in need.
Maria, a mother of three who attended the July march, said the support from the Church gives her hope. “I worry every day about my family,” she said. “But seeing so many people come together makes me feel stronger. I know we are not alone.”
Local business owners have also spoken out. They say that immigrants are vital to Detroit’s economy, working in restaurants, construction, and other industries. “Our city is stronger because of immigrants,” said one restaurant owner. “We need to protect our workers and their families.”
Challenges and Criticisms
Not everyone agrees with the Church’s stance. Some critics argue that enforcing immigration laws is necessary to protect national security and uphold the rule of law. They worry that relaxing enforcement could encourage more people to enter the country without permission.
Supporters of stricter immigration policies say that the government must balance compassion with security. They argue that ICE and other agencies have a duty to enforce the law, even when it is difficult.
Church leaders respond by saying that laws should be fair and humane. They believe it is possible to protect the country while also respecting the dignity of every person.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Immigration Reform
As the debate over immigration continues, the Catholic Church is likely to remain a strong voice for reform. Church leaders say they will keep marching, praying, and speaking out until laws reflect the values of dignity and family unity.
Future actions may include more protests, meetings with lawmakers, and efforts to educate the public about the realities facing immigrant families. The Church also plans to expand its circles of support, helping more people find safety and stability.
Advocates hope that their efforts will lead to real change. They want to see laws that protect families, provide pathways to citizenship, and ensure fair treatment for all. They believe that by working together, communities can build a more just and welcoming society.
What You Can Do
If you want to support immigrants in your community, there are several steps you can take:
- Learn about your rights: If you or someone you know is facing immigration issues, it’s important to understand your legal rights. The ICE website offers information about enforcement actions and what to do if you are approached by ICE agents.
- Get involved: Join local groups like Strangers No Longer or your parish’s immigrant support circle. These groups offer practical help and advocacy opportunities.
- Contact your lawmakers: Write or call your elected officials to share your views on immigration reform. Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents.
- Support local families: Offer help to immigrant families in your neighborhood, whether it’s providing food, transportation, or a listening ear.
Conclusion: Building a More Welcoming Community
The march to the Detroit ICE field office is just one example of how faith communities are working for change. By standing together, Catholics and their allies hope to create a city where everyone is valued and protected. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such efforts can influence policy and help build stronger, more united communities.
The Catholic Church’s call for immigration reform is rooted in its belief in human dignity and family unity. While the debate over immigration will likely continue, the actions of Detroit’s clergy and lay faithful show that many people are committed to building a more just and compassionate society. By working together, they hope to ensure that all families—no matter where they come from—can find safety, hope, and a place to call home.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from the United States due to immigration violations.
Due Process → Legal rights ensuring fair treatment through judicial procedures before deportation or penalties.
Immigration Reform → Changes in immigration laws to improve fairness, family unity, and legal immigration pathways.
Pathways to Citizenship → Legal processes that enable undocumented immigrants to become lawful permanent residents or citizens.
This Article in a Nutshell
Detroit’s Catholic community marched in July 2025 demanding immigration reform to stop raids and deportations. They emphasize dignity, family unity, and advocate for humane policies protecting immigrants in their neighborhoods and workplaces.
— By VisaVerge.com
