Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago reassured migrants in his archdiocese that reports of a possible mass deportation by a new administration in Washington that would target the Chicago area “wound us deeply.”

Priests in Chicago’s St. Rita of Cascia Parish stood in solidarity with local immigrants, inviting them for a special Mass in their intention Jan. 19.

“It is really important to be present to let people know, we will be there wherever we can to support them,” Fr. Larry Dowling told ABC 7 Eyewitness News.

Right after Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony as the 47th president Jan. 20, his administration ended use of a border app called CBP One. A note appeared instead on the app’s website: “Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One™ that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available, and existing appointments have been cancelled.”

Prior to Inauguration Day, the incoming administration threatened to further crack down on the border and carry out a deportation plan quickly, starting in Chicago, according to press reports. But “border czar” Tom Homan in a Jan. 18 interview told ABC News that because information was leaked that deportation efforts would begin in Chicago that could change.

Cupich is among Church leaders in Mexico and the U.S. who support migrants threatened by deportation and are urging a readiness to receive them.

Pope Francis, meanwhile, described Trump’s deportation plan in a Jan. 19 Italian television interview as “a disgrace, because it makes the poor wretches who have nothing pay the bill” for U.S. problems.

“While we wish the new administration success in promoting the common good, the reports being circulated of planned mass deportations targeting the Chicago area are not only profoundly disturbing but also wound us deeply. We are proud of our legacy of immigration that continues in our day to renew the city we love,” Cupich said in his Jan. 19 remarks at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where he was participating in a pilgrimage.

“The Catholic community stands with the people of Chicago in speaking out in defense of the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. Similarly, if the reports are true, it should be known that we would oppose any plan that includes a mass deportation of U.S. citizens born of undocumented parents.” 

During the election campaign, Trump ran on a platform that included a pledge to end illegal immigration and deport migrants without the proper papers.

More than 11 million migrants live in the United States illegally, according to Pew Research Center. An estimated four million of the migrants originally hail from Mexico.