Cardinal Cupich Raises Concerns After Priests Asked to Prove Citizenship by Federal Agents

Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago has said that some priests in his archdiocese were stopped by federal agents and asked to provide proof of their immigration status, describing the encounters as troubling and linked to racial profiling.

Speaking in separate interviews in January and early February, Cupich stated that priests of different racial backgrounds had been stopped and questioned about their citizenship. He said the incidents involved demands to show documentation, which he argued should not be required for citizens going about their daily lives.

In one interview, the cardinal expressed concern that such actions create fear within immigrant communities and beyond. He described the atmosphere as unsettling for many residents who feel targeted by immigration enforcement operations. Cupich suggested that the stops were based on appearance rather than evidence of wrongdoing, saying that being asked to carry proof of citizenship at all times contradicts American principles.

It remains unclear how many priests were involved or the specific circumstances of each encounter. A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Chicago declined to provide additional details beyond the cardinal’s public remarks.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security responded to the allegations by rejecting claims of racial profiling. In a statement, a DHS assistant secretary said accusations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents engage in racial profiling are false and argued that such claims contribute to hostility toward federal officers.

The reported incidents come amid broader national debate over immigration enforcement practices. In recent months, federal authorities have conducted targeted operations in several major cities as part of expanded deportation efforts. Reports from advocacy groups and media investigations have documented cases in which U.S. citizens were temporarily detained during immigration sweeps.

Legal scholars note that U.S. citizens are generally not required to carry proof of citizenship while in public spaces, although law enforcement officers may request identification under certain circumstances. The Supreme Court lifted certain restrictions on immigration stops last year, a decision that has intensified public scrutiny over enforcement tactics.

Catholic leaders in multiple dioceses have voiced growing concern about the impact of immigration operations on families and communities. Some bishops have criticized enforcement strategies they say undermine human dignity and create unnecessary fear. Other faith leaders across denominations have reported confrontations with federal agents during protests and advocacy efforts.

In Chicago, a city with a large immigrant population, Cupich’s remarks have added to ongoing discussions about the balance between immigration enforcement and civil rights protections. The cardinal emphasized that respect for human dignity should guide public policy and law enforcement practices.

As debate continues, questions remain about how immigration policies are implemented on the ground and how they affect clergy and other community leaders. The Archdiocese of Chicago has not indicated whether it plans to pursue formal action regarding the reported stops.