Stand with migrants but ‘do not vilify’ federal agents, he urges
CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., is urging all Catholics to pray, fast, reach out to immigrants, and contact their elected representatives in response to immigration actions taking place in Charlotte this week.
Since being deployed Nov. 15, U.S. Border Patrol agents have detained more than 200 people in predominantly immigrant communities in east, north and south Charlotte.
The Border Patrol activity has stirred fear throughout the communities, sparked protests, and drawn objections from local government and civic leaders and immigration advocates. While immigration actions have not occurred at the Diocese of Charlotte’s churches or schools, pastors and principals have been working to reassure families and have curtailed some on-site activities.
In a letter Tuesday to the people of the diocese, Bishop Martin reiterated his concerns for migrants living in fear and called for a day of fasting and prayer on Friday, Nov. 21, in solidarity with all migrants. Read the statement here.
The Border Patrol’s activity in Charlotte came only days after the U.S. bishops issued a “special pastoral message on immigration” Nov. 12 that voiced dismay over immigration enforcement policies and practices that disregard basic human dignity. In his own message to the people of the diocese last week, Bishop Martin urged everyone to consider their views on immigration through the lens of Church teaching.
“Ask yourself if your political views are forming your religious beliefs or if your religious beliefs are forming your political views,” he said. “Jesus calls us to the latter.”
— Catholic News Herald
Bishop Martin issued this statement on Nov. 18, 2025:
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
While I have no words to practically address the fear and uncertainty that many are feeling with the increased presence of federal immigration officials in the Charlotte metro area, I want to call upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to give witness to the message of Jesus. Our faith teaches us to come to the aid of the poor, marginalized and most vulnerable. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
In an effort to respond to this call of the Gospel, I offer these simple suggestions:
- Reach out to those living daily with this uncertainty and assure them of our love and care for them.
- Observe this Friday, Nov. 21, as a day of prayer and fasting in solidarity with all migrants around the world.
- Do not vilify federal agents who have been sent to our community.
- Contact your elected representatives in Washington and let them know that comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue, and, given that both political parties have repeatedly called for this, it is their responsibility to get it done for the common good.
To those of you who are afraid to come to church, you are not obligated to attend Mass when you are inhibited from doing so by circumstances beyond your control, as the Church has always taught. I encourage you to take consolation in Jesus’ refrain when the disciples were in the boat being swamped by stormy seas: “Do not be afraid!” (Matthew 14:27). Your brothers and sisters are praying with you, and on your behalf, to God who desires our citizenship together in heaven and longs to see us live in harmony with each other on earth.
As I am currently in Rome, I will be greeting Pope Leo XIV at his Wednesday morning audience in St. Peter’s Square and will ask him to continue to remember in prayer the people of our diocese and all migrants, especially during this challenging time. Please be assured that we will get through this together, if we focus our attention on the only One, Jesus Christ, who can save us all.
Peace,
+ Most Rev. Michael T. Martin
Bishop of Charlotte