TOPEKA (KSNT) – The newly-appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and other leaders of the Catholic faith are stepping into the ongoing debate over immigration politics.
Archbishop Shawn McKnight, appointed to his position by Pope Francis in April, released a letter on Aug. 14 addressing the topics of immigration and undocumented migrants. Both the Bishop of Wichita, Carl Kemme, and Bishop of Salina, Gerald Vincke, co-signed the letter.
The Catholic religious leaders address the letter to “the people of God in Kansas.” They assert that every debate over immigration involves families, children, workers and volunteers in the community who now call Kansas home.
“Treating all migrants and refugees as if they were violent criminals is simply unjust. They are human beings made in God’s image: mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents, motivated not by malice but by a desire for safety, stability, and the chance to provide for their families. Like generations before them, including our ancestors, they strengthen the fabric of our society through hard work, perseverance, and faith.”
Pastoral Letter on Immigration excerpt
Kansas automotive shop seized for $450,000 tax debt
The bishops state that people who are fleeing poverty or violence should be treated with dignity and that nations should be welcoming to those seeking safety. They also call on public officials to treat undocumented migrants humanely and said that “unnecessary raids, mass detentions, and family separations betray the values of our nation and the Gospel.”
“We support the role of law enforcement in protecting public safety. Violent crime and unsecured borders must be addressed, no matter a person’s legal status. Criminals are taking advantage of our country’s broken immigration system to abuse those most vulnerable and cause chaos in our communities. Working migrants, those volunteering in our parishes, paying taxes, sacrificing for their families and following our laws, deserve not fear and intimidation but protection, solidarity and a welcoming community.”
Pastoral Letter on Immigration excerpt
The bishops ended the letter by asking members of the Catholic faith to create welcoming parishes that are not influenced by politics. You can find the letter issued by McKnight, Kemme and Vincke online by using this link.
Kansas Lottery player wins $25,000 a year for life prize
Deportations and immigration politics are a major topic of discussion in the U.S. during the second term of President Donald Trump, who has taken a hard stance against undocumented migrants. Some Kansas law enforcement agencies are also actively participating in partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help enforce federal law in the Sunflower State.
27 News previously talked to Wabaunsee County Sheriff Eric Kirsch about what these new partnerships mean and how Kansas deputies are helping ICE perform its duties. The current list of law enforcement agencies participating in ICE partnerships in Kansas and when they signed up include the following:
- Participating agencies.
- Anderson County Sheriff’s Office – June 12, 2025.
- Cowley County Sheriff’s Office – March 5, 2025.
- Ellis County Sheriff’s Office – July 7, 2025.
- Finney County Sheriff’s Office – March 17, 2020.
- Franklin County Sheriff’s Office – June 17, 2025.
- Haskell County Sheriff’s Office – June 12, 2025.
- Jackson County Sheriff’s Office – July 23, 2020.
- Jewell County Sheriff’s Office – June 25, 2025.
- KBI – Feb. 18, 2025.
- Reno County Sheriff’s Office – March 5, 2025.
- Rice County Sheriff’s Office – March 26, 2025.
- Rooks County Sheriff’s Office – July 31, 2025.
- Rush County Sheriff’s Office – July 7, 2025.
- Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office – July 2, 2025.
- Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office – May 28, 2025.
K-State hit by ‘swatting attack’ on first day of classes
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
