Trump Deportation of Migrants Sparks Christian Anger: 'Morally Bankrupt'

The Trump administration's mass deportation program has sparked outrage among faith leaders, with many expressing deep concern over the treatment of immigrants, particularly those who share the Christian faith.

"It is hard to believe that as a so-called Christian nation, the United States has turned its back on the key teachings of Jesus," Reverend Randy J. Mayer, lead pastor at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, Arizona, told Newsweek.

Why It Matters

A new report backed by Catholic and evangelical groups finds that 80 percent of immigrants at risk of deportation from the U.S. are Christian. It estimates that 10 million Christians face deportation, and 7 million U.S. citizen Christians live in households with at-risk individuals.

The report is based on religious affiliation data and U.S. census analysis. It urges Christians to consider the impact of Trump's deportation policies.

Its methodology involved calculating the percentages of Catholics, evangelicals, and other Christian groups in the countries of origin for immigrants based on self-reported affiliations. These percentages were then applied to different categories of immigrant populations.

What To Know

The report was produced with support from the National Association of Evangelicals, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, and the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

While it takes no political stance, the report aims to raise awareness among Christians. Some sponsoring groups have separately advocated for immigration reforms, including pathways to legal status for certain groups.

Those at risk of deportation include both undocumented immigrants and those with precarious legal status. President Donald Trump's administration has moved to end temporary protected status for many from Venezuela and Haiti, as well as humanitarian parole for individuals from Cuba, Nicaragua and other troubled nations.

Mayer criticized the selective application of scripture among some Christians.

"For most Christians in the U.S., they selectively use scripture and conveniently skip over the passages that require something of them personally," Mayer told Newsweek.

"I am not surprised to hear the hypocrisy—maybe some of them haven't gotten that far in reading their Bible. Although that isn't much of an excuse, it is pretty hard not to see that Jesus is constantly saying, err on the side of Love. Somehow much of Christianity in the U.S. today errs on the side of Hate," he said.

Bishop Dwayne Royster, Executive Director of Faith in Action told Newsweek the administration's immigration agenda is "morally bankrupt"

"This is not a matter of faith, it's a matter of basic humanity and decency, which the Trump administration's policies lack. While many immigrants at risk of deportation are Christian, this issue transcends religious boundaries," he said.

"The administration's policies are morally bankrupt and destructive, not because they impact Christians but because they harm all migrants, regardless of whether they are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Baháʼí, atheist, agnostic, Buddhist or any faith," he added.

Royster said: "As a person of faith – as a Christian whose tradition teaches me that we are all God's children regardless of faith tradition– it is my responsibility to stand for the dignity of every person, especially as they seek safety and stability."

Ben Marsh, who leads First Alliance Church in Winston, North Carolina, expressed concern about the disconnect between voter expectations and the reality of deportation policies.

"I believe many people who voted for Donald Trump believed he would focus on violent non-citizens, not on immigrants who have raised families and lived peaceable lives as taxpayers and parents," Marsh told Newsweek.

"I pray these people will extend the same grace and mercy given to them in the cross of Christ, a mercy none of us deserved, as they advocate for those who are not violent," he added.

Trump secured significant support from various Christian demographics in the 2024 election. Approximately 80 percent of white evangelical Protestant voters, 60 percent of white Catholics, and just over half of Latino evangelicals cast their votes for the Republican, according to AP VoteCast, a comprehensive survey of over 120,000 voters. ​

While these figures highlight Trump's strong backing among these groups, a recent report emphasizes the potential impact of his administration's immigration policies on Christian communities.

The report calls for increased awareness and consideration of the effects of his immigration stance on these Christian communities.

However not all church leaders are opposed to the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations.

"We're feeling the effects of illegal immigration in our town," Pastor Ken Peters in Lenoir City told The Wall Street Journal.

He leads the Patriot Church—a congregation of roughly 300 members whose building features an American flag painted on its roof. Peters attributes the surge in fentanyl overdoses in the Knoxville area and certain gang activities to undocumented immigrants, noting that drugs like fentanyl are often smuggled across the southern border in hidden compartments within vehicles.

"My pastor friend group, we're 100% in favor of Trump and his policies," Peters added. "If you love America, then you shut the door and let in people who are good for our country and not dangerous to it."

"Some of our brothers and sisters have reached out to CRCNA leaders in recent weeks to express the fears they now have in everyday life," the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) said.

What People Are Saying

Reverend Randy J. Mayer told Newsweek: "You don't have to read too far into the Christian Bible to understand that Jesus demands that we take care of our sisters and brothers. In fact, from Jesus' own mouth, he says, 'The greatest Commandment is to Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, an evangelical humanitarian organization that cosponsored the report: "Though we're deeply concerned about fellow Christians, we're not exclusively concerned with immigrants who happen to share our faith."

"As Christians, we believe that all people, regardless of their religious tradition or nationality, are made in God's image with inherent dignity," Soerens added.

Walter Kim, president, National Association of Evangelicals said: "Some immigrants were followers of Jesus long before they came to the United States. Many others have found new life in Christ thanks to the witness of evangelical churches. They are beloved and vital members and leaders of our churches. Mass deportation would inflict deep wounds by tearing apart spiritual as well as biological families. We ask President Trump and Members of Congress to show mercy and provide a way for our hard-working and peace-loving brothers and sisters to earn legal immigration status so they can continue to bless our communities."

Bishop Mark Seitz, Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration said: "Catholic teaching compels us to accompany those who are suffering. Therefore, this report should motivate every Catholic to demonstrate solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters through prayer, public witness and advocacy. The Church calls on policymakers to pursue immigration reform that is both just and compassionate, recognizing the inherent worth of every human being and protecting the sanctity of families as the foundation of society."

The Christian Reformed Church said in a statement: "Christian Reformed congregations are encouraged to welcome, love, and enfold immigrants, refugees, and migrants in our churches, and to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, increased opportunities for immigrants to gain legal status, and dignified treatment of those detained because of their lack of status."

What Happens Next

Faith leaders are calling for a greater focus on compassion and justice, emphasizing the need for reform.