Corpus Christi priests to escort parishioners to immigration appointments in Miami

In the wake of the construction of Alligator Alcatraz clergy members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Miami are expected to show their backing for parishioners who may be at vulnerability President Trump made immigration a priority in his first sparse days back in office On his second day he eliminated policies designating sensitive locations for undocumented immigrants such as churches schools or hospitals making them fair ground for raids from Immigration and Customs Enforcement This decision resulted in pushback from a great number of members of the Catholic Church including from priests who believe they have an obligation to stand with parishioners in faith Archbishop Thomas Wenski believes that although every country has the right to control its borders the Catholic Church has a responsibility to assist immigrants seeking asylum At the same time we have to recognize that the immigrants who are coming to this country no matter what their status are still not numbers They re not statistics they re human beings We have to embrace them as brothers and sisters he commented This comes as Florida joins the Trump administration s efforts to secure the perimeter pursuing plans to build two detention centers to house illegal newcomers in the state Alligator Alcatraz a -bed immigration detention center is set to open as early as next week Functionaries say the python-infested swampland will serve as a deterrent to refugees who try to escape Florida Gov Ron DeSantis says the facility as well as a second center at Camp Blanding is needed Priests from Corpus Christi are expected to make an appearance later Thursday morning