Mexican bishops remind the US government that the border is not a war zone

For the first time in history the Catholic Bishops of Mexico have released a statement directed to all citizens and to the leaders of the United States and of Mexico calling for respect for the dignity of all migrants.

By James Blears

Mexico says it will review all mechanisms of cooperation with the United States following President Trump's decision to send National Guard troops to the US/Mexico border. In a brief statement the Mexican government said President Enrique Pena Nieto had instructed ministries at a cabinet meeting on Sunday to carry out the review.

Meanwhile, the Mexican Catholic Bishops’ Conference has released a letter condemning the US Mexico border crisis and calling for the spirit and letter of the law to be observed humanely.

A uniquely hard hitting condemnation of the US/Mexico Border Crisis, by the Mexican Bishops` Conference. James Blears reports the statement is calling for the spirit and the letter of the law to be observed humanely.

This extraordinary Statement by the Mexican Bishops` Conference starts with the words: "With every immigrant wounded in their dignity and rights, Jesus Christ is crucified again!" It questions new laws to deal with migrants flows arguing: " Inalienable dignity is the true source of the law. The cry of the migrants is our cry. Their pain is our pain."

It blames past and present Mexican Governments for not creating sufficient development opportunities but also stresses: "Migrants are NOT criminals, but vulnerable people who have the full rights to personal and community development. The Border between Mexico and the United States is NOT a war zone!"

Listen to James Blears' report