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Video of bishop denouncing ICE goes viral, but turns out to be AI
The author was inspired by the video, until learning it was not real.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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A video of a Catholic bishop denouncing ICE agents went viral, with many praising the bishop's bold stance. However, the author later learned the video was actually created using AI technology, and not a real event. The author expresses disappointment at being duped, but also a desire for more prophetic leadership from Catholic bishops in standing up for immigrants.
Why it matters
The video resonated with many Catholics who have been frustrated by the perceived lack of strong leadership from the church on immigration issues. The revelation that it was an AI-generated fake highlights the growing problem of misinformation and the potential for AI to create convincing but false content.
The details
The author came across a social media video of a Catholic bishop angrily denouncing ICE agents and defending immigrants. Inspired by the bishop's bold stance, the author shared the video with colleagues, only to have one of them inform her that it was an AI-generated fake. The author was embarrassed to have been duped, but also saddened that the video was not real, as she had really wanted it to be true.
- The video went viral and was shared hundreds of thousands of times across various platforms.
- On January 23, an ecumenical protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport drew clergy from across the country to stand in solidarity against unjust deportations, resulting in more than 100 arrests.
- On January 29, some 80 clerical and community leaders gathered at the Hart Senate Building in Washington, D.C., to engage in prayer and civil disobedience, resulting in at least 54 arrests.
The players
Bishop Rob Hirschfeld
The Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire, who called upon his pastorate to "get their affairs in order" and be prepared to "stand between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable."
Cardinal Joseph Tobin
The Cardinal Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey, who appeared on a webinar and spoke boldly about the "militarization of our communities" and likened ICE to a "machinery of death."
What they’re saying
“I need to go back and find that video. I couldn't immediately place which bishop it was, but I'm super curious. He needs to be celebrated!”
— Stephanie J. Peddicord, Author (ncronline.org)
“That video is a fake. AI. I know — it would be awesome if it were true. But sadly, not.”
— Stephanie J. Peddicord's colleague, Colleague (ncronline.org)
“I don't know what God you worship — maybe an orange one — but my God is love! Now go, and don't come back.”
— Fictional bishop in AI-generated video (ncronline.org)
What’s next
The author expresses hope that more Catholic bishops will follow the example of Cardinal Tobin and take bold, prophetic action in standing up for immigrants and against the "militarization of our communities."
The takeaway
The viral spread of the AI-generated video highlights the growing problem of misinformation and the need for greater discernment and critical thinking when consuming online content. However, it also underscores the desire among many Catholics for stronger leadership from the church on immigration issues.
