Researchers find immigration enforcement activity at schools, courthouses

Researchers found that immigration enforcement activity is occurring at schools, courthouses, and near churches, according to a report by Ashley Feasley of The Catholic University of America. The preliminary findings, presented during a National Migration Week webinar on September 23, examined how expanded enforcement affects immigrant families and faith-based service providers. Of the 49 Catholic, Jewish, and Lutheran organizations surveyed, 39 reported such incidents.

The report is a joint effort between the law school of The Catholic University of America, its Immigration Law and Policy Initiative, and the National Catholic School of Social Services. During the webinar, Jenny Cachaya of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network stated that more than 145,000 children who are U.S. citizens have had a parent booked into immigration detention since January 2025. Feasley noted that this figure was recorded before the most recent increase in enforcement activity.

The findings highlight the impact of these policies on the 18.4 million children in the United States living with at least one immigrant parent. Feasley observed that these children face the loss of family members, financial instability, and disrupted daily routines. The webinar was hosted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and included Bishop Brendan Cahill of Joliet, Illinois, and Haydee Diaz of Catholic Relief Services Honduras.