Pope Leo's First US Bishop Takes Action Against Trump Migrant Crackdown
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to join them in accompanying migrants to court.
Rev. Michael Pham, who was named bishop of San Diego, California, by Pope Leo in May, wrote a letter about the action on Wednesday, along with Rev. Ramón Bejarano and Rev. Ramón Bejarano, both appointed by Pope Francis.
NEW: The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV—a refugee himself—is mobilizing priests to accompany migrants at immigration court on June 20.
This is the kind of leadership Leo's picking. pic.twitter.com/QTsutj6TDV — Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) June 13, 2025
"On the morning of June 20th, which is International Refugee Day, a group of priests and faith leaders are planning to visit the federal court building to stand in solidarity with migrants who are making their court appearances," they wrote.
"We know that migrants and refugees find themselves in the difficult predicament of being called to appear, which is what the government asks of them, and then being given orders for expedited removal from our country," they continuned.
They went on to add that "the presence of faith leaders makes a difference in how the migrants are treated."
"The people of faith stand with immigrants and refugees," they said.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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