From Paul Welch, Office of Social Action Ministry

From Paul Welch, Office of Social Action Ministry

Pope Francis has consistently championed the cause of migrant families, emphasizing their human dignity and urging the world to embrace a spirit of hospitality and solidarity. He has spoken out against discrimination and indifference towards migrants, calling for a "poor Church for the poor" and highlighting the biblical command to "welcome the stranger”. 

Three students from a Jefferson County school district were detained by federal agents in an operation at a dairy farm. They were part of an Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation on March 24 that detained their mother and other undocumented workers at North Harbor Dairy Farm. 

Sackets Harbor Central School District Superintendent Jennifer L. Gaffney said their detainment has devastated the district.

·         “At Sackets Harbor Central School District, we view ourselves as a family, and right now, some of our family members are hurting," Gaffney said. "We are hurting because ICE took three students and their mother away from our community. The safety and well-being of our students will always be our top priority, and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure their return back home, to our school and community. We want them back in our classrooms as soon as possible, reunited with their teachers, friends, and the opportunity to continue their learning.”

There are 5 million immigrant families in the U.S. where at least one parent is undocumented.