Statement from the Notre Dame Sisters, Omaha Province On the Recent Immigration Enforcement
For Immediate Release (June 12, 2025) – Omaha, NE – We, the Notre Dame Sisters came to the United States as immigrants. For over 100 years we have taught generations of children, young people, and adults the values of compassion and fairness. We have reached out to overlooked populations threatened by domestic violence and human trafficking. Today we view with alarm recent immigration enforcement both local and national. We affirm that Catholic Social Teaching holds that every person has the right to migrate when necessary, and that the dignity of all people—regardless of immigration status—must be respected. While nations do have the right to regulate their borders, that responsibility must be carried out in a way that protects human life, promotes the common good, and recognizes the sacredness of family and community. In our country recent immigration enforcement actions stand in stark contrast to these values as they are carried out with secrecy, intimidation, and a speed that guarantees errors. Children are left without families and families without a breadwinner while they are in the midst of complying with the legal processes required of them.
We pray for those in positions of authority that they may be committed to the demands of justice and compassion. And we pray for our fellow citizens that we might find the courage to uphold the dignity of every person and shape policies that reflect our highest moral and spiritual values. We pray for the moral wellbeing of those tasked with carrying out immigration enforcement. We pray for all who are affected by these events, those who have been detained, those living in fear, and those working tirelessly to support and defend their neighbors.
In the spirit of our service to those on the margins, we raise our voices for those who cannot speak freely. We stand with immigrant communities and call for a more just, humane, and compassionate approach to immigration.
What you can do:
- Pray! For our country that justice and human dignity will be honored. Resources: Litany, Morning Prayer, Rosary
- Act! Treat every person you meet with respect and dignity.
- Speak! Let your representatives in Washington know your wishes. Your voice matters! Tell them your religious convictions, concerns as a citizen, etc. Find your representatives: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/#
- Share! Let your fellow citizens know your convictions if you feel safe doing so.
- Donate! Support of immigrant families who have met all legal requirements and have just had their work permits revoked leaving them unable to support their families. Address your support through the Notre Dame Sisters if you wish.
- Learn! Why do immigrants come? What do they contribute? What is happening to them? The American Immigration Council a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that conducts research, provides legal support, and advocates for humane immigration policies. Their data is regularly cited by journalists, scholars, and policymakers. They rely on government statistics and peer-reviewed studies. https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/
- Listen! Archbishop McGovern celebrated a Mass in Spanish Thursday following news of an immigration enforcement operation in Omaha this week. The Mass was livestreamed and can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8SzwA85dUM&t=979s
About The Notre Dame Sisters
We are a group of consecrated Catholic women dedicated to serving God, each other and our world. Through our service and ministries, we strive to meet the unmet needs of those in our community and throughout the world. As we continue to respond to the call of Christ as women of faith and prayer, we commit ourselves to building a world Christian community in joyful, loving service to others. We have served in Omaha for more than 100 years, mostly as educators, nurses, and social workers.