By Madalaine Elhabbal
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Mar 25, 2025 / 13:45 pm
The Diocese of El Paso, Texas, held a march and vigil in solidarity with migrants and refugees in the city center on Monday evening. Bishop Mark Seitz criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement as a “war on the poor.”
“I am very grateful that we have come together this evening as a borderland community,” Seitz said during remarks delivered at the vigil. “How wonderful it is to have moments when we can celebrate and recommit to who we are, and to do so in the presence of God.”
The event coincided with the 45th anniversary of the killing of St. Oscar Romero, an El Salvadoran bishop who was assassinated in 1980. “We place ourselves and our community under [Romero’s] protection this night,” said Seitz, who also serves as the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.
Several bishops from across the country, as well as from Mexico and Canada, attended the march and vigil. Faith leaders of various traditions were also present.
Reflecting on the Christ-like sacrifice of Saint Oscar Romero, Bishop Mark Seitz delivered powerful remarks at a community gathering. Quoting Romero’s words before his death, Seitz highlighted the saint’s unwavering dedication to his country: “If they kill me, I will rise again in the people of El Salvador. If they manage to carry out their threats, as of now, I offer my blood for the redemption of El Salvador.”
Seitz emphasized the importance of community, describing it as a mutual exchange of gifts where individuals offer their lives for the benefit of one another. Just as Jesus sacrificed himself for the body, Romero also gave his life in sacrifice for his community. This sense of unity and sacrifice is currently under attack in the world, as seen in the denial of asylum and threat of mass deportations.
The bishop condemned the Trump administration’s border policies as a “war on the poor” and criticized mass deportations as a means to instill fear and division among people. He urged those living in fear of deportation and family separation to feel the love and commitment of their community, extending a message of solidarity akin to the selfless love of Jesus.
