In response to the threat from former United States President Donald Trump to tighten immigration policies and deport migrants in irregular situations, the Mexican Episcopal Conference (CEM) announced that Catholic churches in Mexico will provide shelter for people in transit. The Episcopal Dimension of Human Mobility Pastoral of the CEM, led by bishops Eugenio Lira Rugarcía and Héctor Pérez Villarreal, highlighted the Church's commitment to providing comprehensive support to migrants.
In an official statement, it is detailed that the houses, shelters, and Catholic reception centers will be spaces where migrants will find shelter, food, support in physical, emotional, and spiritual health, assistance to contact their families, obtain necessary documentation, as well as legal advice and accompaniment in required proceedings.
The northern region will have 31 migrant care centers managed by various dioceses, while the central region will have 11 centers and the southern region will have 24 care centers. The Church called for solidarity with migrants, especially due to the low temperatures in the north of the country.
The Catholic Church expressed its willingness to collaborate with authorities and institutions to generate a strong support network. Remembering Jesus' teaching to treat others as we would like to be treated, the Church seeks to offer a message of hope and support to migrants affected by restrictive immigration policies.
