Bishop Seitz: A Catholic View from the U.S.-Mexico Border

The bishop of El Paso calls for moral courage and solidarity in the face of mass deportation and violence against migrants

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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As the bishop of El Paso, Mark J. Seitz offers his perspective on the current situation at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the dismantling of the asylum system, the expansion of immigrant detention centers, and the troubling patterns of abuse and lack of accountability within border enforcement agencies. Seitz draws inspiration from the teachings of Pope Leo XIV and St. Augustine, emphasizing the need to uphold human dignity, justice, and mercy in addressing the challenges of forced migration. He also shares reasons for hope, citing examples of moral courage and solidarity within local communities, and invites people to join a march in El Paso on the Memorial of St. Oscar Romero to stand united against mass deportation and in defense of human life.

Why it matters

Bishop Seitz's perspective sheds light on the deeper moral and spiritual issues at stake in the contemporary debate on immigration, challenging the rhetoric of "might makes right" and calling for a vision of society rooted in peace, human dignity, and the common good. His insights are particularly relevant as the U.S. grapples with the expansion of border enforcement tactics beyond the physical border and the growing concerns about the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers.

The details

Seitz, the bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, has witnessed firsthand the impact of the current administration's policies on the border region. He describes the dismantling of the asylum system, the opening of a large immigrant detention center at Fort Bliss, and the troubling patterns of abuse and lack of accountability within border enforcement agencies. Seitz highlights specific cases of detainee deaths and the lack of transparency surrounding the investigations. He also notes the extension of border enforcement tactics to communities across the country, with the presence of Border Patrol agents in cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Mark J. Seitz

The bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, one of the "border dioceses" on the U.S.-Mexico border that has been the focus of debates over immigration.

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who Seitz says has taken on the social vision of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and is addressing the Gospel to the new realities of instability, division, and the threat to the common good.

St. Augustine

The Augustinian philosopher whose social theory, based on the idea of an original peace, Seitz says is foundational to Pope Leo's approach to the challenges of our time.

Alex Pretti

A hospital worker who was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents, and whose story Seitz cites as an example of the kind of moral courage and gentleness that should inspire a response to the violence against migrants.

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda

The archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis who, following Pretti's killing, said his death "should prompt all of us to ask what we can do to restore the Lord's peace."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.