Pope Leo’s First U.S. Bishop Leads San Diego Catholics Against Trump’s Deportation Machine
Bishop Michael Pham — a refugee himself — is taking on Trump’s deportation machine and inspiring Americans nationwide to stand with immigrants.
As National Catholic Reporter’s Ken Stone reports, Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano blessed 70 volunteers on Aug. 4 as San Diego Bishop Michael Pham inaugurated “FAITH” — Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope — a new ministry to ensure refugees and asylum seekers are not alone at immigration hearings.
The effort was spurred by an incident on World Refugee Day, when Pham and other clergy showed up at immigration court and forced ICE agents to scatter.
Now the diocese has teams of volunteers rotating through immigration courtrooms to stand with migrant families.
“We want to make a difference because each of us has value and dignity... In communion with each other, we are stronger,” Pham said at the launch.
Pham — notably Pope Leo’s first U.S. bishop appointment and himself a former refugee — knows the stakes.
His compassionate witness stands in stark contrast to President Donald Trump’s escalating immigration crackdown. In recent months, Trump’s agents have carried out sweeping raids — even at churches — tearing apart families under a ruthless war of fear and terror.
Pope Leo firmly opposes these tactics.
Just last week, he met with California’s bishops as Church officials work on a unified response to Trump’s deportation agenda.
San Diego’s faithful are putting that principle into practice.
When volunteers accompany immigrants into court, they embody Christ’s call to welcome the stranger, declaring that the Church will not abandon the vulnerable.
Hope is proving stronger than fear.
The sight of Catholics standing shoulder-to-shoulder with immigrant neighbors makes even hardened enforcers pause. San Diego’s “FAITH” ministry shines as a beacon of gospel courage, showing that mercy and solidarity will carry the day.
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I am so glad the Catholic Church and clergy are standing against this horrific stealing of people. Makes me even prouder to be a Catholic.
Bishop Michael Pham and Pope Leo represent the true spirit of Christ. Thank you.