Bishop's statement on Migrant Protection Policy

In January of 2019 the Department of Homeland Security announced the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols, otherwise known as the "remain in Mexico" policy for migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Since that time between 50,000 and 60,000 people, primarily families with children have remained in Mexico in border cities such as Tijuana, Juarez, Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros. The numbers of people forced across the border have overwhelmed the cities, the humanitarian aid organizations and the Mexican Government. The conditions in these cities include inadequate sanitary facilities where 2,500 people have access to  only three portable toilets, pregnant  women being given 1 bottle of water per day, families and children living in makeshift tents on sidewalks. In addition to the inhumane conditions in which the people must remain, they are subject to extortion and kidnapping by cartels and gangs, 364 rapes and assaults have been reported in one city, and daily threats of violence when the family has no money to pay the extortion .

We had been grateful, that this policy was not implemented in the Tucson Sector . On Nove. 22 the change in policy was announced. The Department of Homeland Security determined that the Tucson Sector had become a weak link in the efforts to eliminate what is referred to as "catch and release" and determined that families and children who requested asylum would be bused to El Paso where they would be released to wait in Juarez, Mexico. The policy is not to apply to children traveling alone, pregnant women, people who are ill or with disabilities or those who were determined to face violence in Mexico. There is reason to believe this policy has not been adequately implemented and that many of these most vulnerable people are living in the streets in the city of Juarez where they will be taken from Tucson.

The Diocese of Tucson, as Catholic Community Services, has been operating a migrant welcoming shelter, Casa Alitas for six years. In this most recent year, we assisted 20,000 people, primarily families with children, while they journeyed to meet their sponsors and participate in the legal process to be granted asylum . All people assisted at Casa Alitas are provided medical screening, clothing, food, assistance with transportation, a clean bed and a safe place to recover from the trauma of an arduous journey. Few if any of these resources are available in Juarez. Instead of care, concern and dignity these same families are being pushed into the street facing danger and the uncertainty if and when they will  be given to opportunity to present their case to an immigration official.

As Catholics, we are bound by faith to see all people as one family created in the image of God. We are called to offer hospitality to those who need us. We are required to treat all with dignity and respect because they are our sisters and brothers. We are called to walk in solidarity with migrants on their journey. The Migrant Protection Protocol is a policy that does not provide protection to these most vulnerable people and in fact has placed them in significant danger in cities that cannot adequately assist them. For these reasons I call on others of good will to oppose this policy and to join me in communicating this opposition to our congressional delegation.