Catholic Bishops Have ‘Not Been a Good Partner’ in Immigration Enforcement

BRENNAN: So we're still relying on the federal government, but be careful about that. I'd like to ask you about another area where you campaigned quite often and where there was a lot of activity. And it has to do with immigration.

Vance: Yeah.

BRENNAN: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops this week condemned some executive orders signed by President Trump, particularly those allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter churches and schools. Do you personally support the idea of ​​raids and crackdowns on church services and schools?

Vance: Well, let me talk about this. Of course, if you have someone who's been convicted of a violent crime, whether they're an illegal immigrant or a non-illegal immigrant, you have to go and get that person to protect public safety. It's not just about immigrants. But let me address this issue, Margaret. Because as a practicing Catholic, those words actually hurt me. And the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops actually took a little look in the mirror and realized how concerned they are about humanitarian concerns when they're receiving over $100 million to help resettle illegal immigrants. I think you need to. Or are they actually worried about the bottom line? We're going to enforce our immigration laws. We're going to protect the American people.

Brennan: Yeah.

Vance: Donald Trump has promised to do that. And if the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is worried about the humanitarian costs of immigration enforcement, they should be talking about children being sex trafficked because of Joe Biden's wide-open border I believe that.

Brennan: –So you’re personally supporting them–

Vance: Let them speak –

Brennan: –They go inside–

Vance: –People like Laken Riley–

Brennan: –School and church?

(end of crosstalk)

Vice President Vance: –The people who were brutally murdered. We support law enforcement against violent criminals, whether illegal immigrants or others, to keep us safe. Let me ask you a question, Margaret–

Margaret Brennan: But, but…

Vice President Vance: – Let's separate the immigration issue. If a violent murderer were to commit a crime at school, of course we would seek law enforcement.

Margaret Brennan: Of course.

Vice President Vance: – to go and get that guy out.

Margaret Brennan: Of course.

Vice President Vance: So what's the point of the question?

MARGARET BRENNAN: We changed the regulations this week, and that's the point of the question.

Vice President Vance: Exactly…

Margaret Brennan: Empowerment to enter the Church –

Vice President Vance: –Yes, that’s right–

MARGARET BRENNAN: –and go to school–

Vice President Vance: To protect the American people, we empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere.

Margaret Brennan: – But it also has a ripple effect. There is probably a chilling effect on people who keep their children out of school.

Vice President Vance: I really hope it has a chilling effect.

Margaret Brennan: –at church–

Vice President Vance: Regarding illegal immigrants entering our country.

Margaret Brennan: Do you think the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops actively hides criminals from law enforcement?

Vice President Vance: Frankly, I don't think the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been a good partner in enforcing the common sense immigration laws that the American people voted for, but as a devout Catholic, I repeat, , I hope they do better. .