April 8th 2020

By Mark J. Seitz, D.D., Bishop of El Paso

This is an unprecedented moment when every El Pasoan and all of our institutions are being called to solidarity, compassion and concern for the entire community. In a sober way, now we see how each of our destinies really are intertwined, and how every one of us really is our brother’s keeper. 

Faith and reason tell us that the right thing to do right now is to protect each other by taking steps toward social distancing. The federal government has already recognized that this is very nearly impossible in facilities like prisons and detention centers.

Therefore, I’m calling on our local US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to urgently and quickly prioritize the release of nonviolent migrants from the immigration detention facilities in our community. This will protect the health of migrants, our immigration enforcement personnel and our entire El Paso community. 

Our faith compels us to welcome the stranger with compassion. And this is also a matter of public health. By keeping non-violent migrants in immigration custody, we are placing everyone in danger.

Together, I know we can overcome this crisis. I also invite our local government leaders to join me in calling on ICE for an urgent dialogue on the need to release non-violent offenders. This cannot happen soon enough. Our lives depend on it.