Catholic Charities NY admits federal push to catch criminal immigrants ‘legitimate’
John Lavenburg/Crux• February 5, 2025
The head of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New York says that while the organisation is concerned for many immigrants, he also understands the government’s “legitimate attempt” to deal with criminals. The comments come amid a federal immigration crackdown that is being spurred by the new administration of President Donald Trump, who campaigned on the promise to deport illegal migrants.
“We always have concerns, but at the same time we understand that, sadly, there are a few bad apples among the immigrants who come to New York,” Monseigneur Kevin Sullivan told Crux. “If some of those immigrants do commit crimes, well, they should pay a price for that. But, yes, we do have a concern and do want to make sure those who are not the criminals, that they’re not impacted.”
Since President Donald Trump took office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have arrested more than 8,000 people that the agency says are in the country illegally, according to a compilation of daily totals of arrests it has posted (current as of 1 February).
The ICE raids have touched all corners of the country, especially major cities, such as New York.
Sullivan, who has led Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York since 2001, declined to comment on whether or not he had been in communication with federal or local authorities, instead saying that the organisation’s concern remains, as it always has, with the people that the Catholic organisation tries to serve and help on a daily basis.
He said he didn’t know if less immigrants were now utilising the services of Catholic Charities due to increased concerns, as a result of the immigration crackdown, about publicity and their situations potentially becoming known to ICE as a result of their use of its charitable services. But he acknowledged that heightened fears exist in immigrant neighbourhoods and communities.
“We have heard of a significant amount of fear and anxiety in the immigrant communities,” Sullivan said. “We fully understand the anxiety, the fear, that is in those communities and we [try to] reassure those communities that Catholic Charities is going to accompany them, be with them, and continue to provide the services that are needed.”
According to the website of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, those services include helping newcomers with legal advice, to reunite with their families, learn English, prepare for citizenship, and find employment opportunities, in addition to the regular services that the organisation provides, such as access to food, housing and emergency services.
Sullivan said the organisation also educates immigrants on their responsibilities and their rights, including the need to abide by the law, while also understanding their rights amid the immigration crackdown.
“That’s our approach,” Sullivan said. “We continue to provide help.”
Photo: In this handout photo provided by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the New York City Fugitive Operations Team conducts targeted enforcement operations resulting in the arrest of an illegal Dominican national in New York City, 28 January 2025. (Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images.)