NEED ICE
It’s with a heavy heart that I write to you with my concerns about your Fall 2025 magazine.
About the article on Bishop Mark J. Seitz titled “False Narratives of Immigration,” it’s illegal immigration that worries me.
The article by Giovana Soria also deeply troubled me. The “humanitarian crisis” was not created by Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. The millions who crossed the Southern and Northern borders came because of the last administration, which didn’t care about illegal migration. I have read of their terrible plight, but cartels, coyotes and smugglers made millions. Who’s the bad guy?
These people are able to go home, given a thousand dollars each, and a free ride home. The gentleman who is afraid to go out and find a job knows he’s here illegally. He will never be able to feel safe as greedy Americans will hire him under the table and exploit him.
I’ve never been afraid to walk the streets where I live. Now, when I hear a foreign language being spoken by young men, I can’t help [but wonder] where ICE is when I need them.
Kathleen Keltner
Silver Star, Montana
TIME FOR MERCY
When are citizens, the Church and leaders of nongovernmental organizations going to start putting the blame for mass immigration where it belongs: on the national and international political leaders who ignore the fact that their people flock to the United States because they can’t afford to live safely in their own countries? Those countries are either too dangerous or their economies are too slanted toward the rich while ignoring the plight of the poor.
It’s time to call out U.S. political leaders for their failure to update our immigration laws to reflect this reality, and it’s time to put even more pressure on other nations to adjust their national security and their economies to make it possible for people to live in their own countries.
Meanwhile, the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. As the parable of the rich man and the beggar shows (Luke 16:19-31), if those responsible don’t pay now, they will certainly pay at Judgment. The time for mercy is now.
Marv Sherman
St. Louis, Missouri
NATION OF IMMIGRANTS
I remain optimistic in my convictions regarding immigration. It has been often said that we are a nation of immigrants. For centuries we’ve come to the United States to seek opportunity and prosperity from the work of our hands and, if necessary, sanctuary. By the grace of God, these values must persist. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops endorses this as well. Even if some have a storied past, we are all noted in the Book of Life and we are all capable of being forgiven.
The last issue of Maryknoll magazine, Winter 2026, provides many examples of why a unified faith in action is important. Mother Frances Cabrini, cited in the photo meditation “Standing Her Ground” by Father Joseph R. Veneroso, gives us that hope through her selflessness.
Our church, St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven in Detroit, Michigan, is small but mighty in that we gathered last summer with other parishioners to protest ICE policies.
Mark A. Sleboda
Redford Township, Michigan
THEY ARE CRIMINALS
I take issue with Bishop Mark Seitz in the article of your Fall 2025 issue where he said that 99% of the illegal immigrants are good people, when in fact they are criminals who broke our law as they barged across our border. The law states that you must enter our country at a port of entry with proper documentation and with the federal government’s permission. The 1% that the bishop admits aren’t good people still would amount to hundreds of thousands.
I’ve seen many clips of these criminals coming into our country. They all look well fed and clothed and equipped with smartphones. Everyone was required to pay an escort thousands of dollars, most of which went to the drug cartels. Where did these “poor” people get this kind of cash? I suspect that if they didn’t have it, they wrote an IOU to the drug cartels that will certainly find them if they don’t pay up.
We need legal immigration for our country to continue to prosper. You people always seem to leave out that word, “legal.”
Richard Ready
Shawano, Wisconsin
ADVOCATING SIN
Remove me from all solicitations and subscriptions due to your article which advocated for illegal immigration. This is a violation of the eighth commandment, Thou shalt not steal. Illegal immigration is a crime and the theft of another nation’s resources and opportunities.
While no one opposes legal immigration, illegal immigration is wrong and a sin. I suggest you review your catechism before publishing such rubbish. Charity begins at home and also overseas, but not to those who break into your home. That is enablement and collusion in sin.
Theodore DiVito
Olympia, Washington
Editor’s Note: While our missioners across the world care for migrants regardless of status, Maryknoll does not advocate for illegal immigration. Maryknoll follows Church teaching on migration.
Maryknoll magazine reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for clarity, brevity and civility.
Featured image: Maryknoll Fathers Joyalito Tajonera and Nhuan Nguyen (in vestments, left, right) train candidates such as Maryknoll Seminarians Josephat Odundo (center), Guilervan Omnes (back row, second from right) and Jethro Natividad (back row, far right) for a lifetime in mission. (Paul Jeffrey/Taiwan)
