A video from Catholic Charities in Milwaukee sparked outrage as an attorney with the group informed illegal migrants how to avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“If you’re undocumented and immigration officers come to your workplace, beware of the following,” said Barbara Graham in the video as she laid out tips for violators of U.S. immigration laws.
“We need to defund Catholic Charities,” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) wrote on X in reaction to the video.
We need to defund Catholic Charities @DOGE @DOGECommittee https://t.co/iWru4w56zK
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) January 27, 2025
“All people living in the United States, including people who are undocumented, have certain rights under the United States Constitution,” Graham said in the video message.
She advised anyone being approached by ICE or other immigration officials, “Do not panic and do not run away.”
She went on to note that the “undocumented” migrant can “refuse to answer” questions and can opt to “remain silent.” A “know your rights” card can be shown to immigration officers and migrants can also declare that they wish to speak with an attorney.
The group’s website states that the Catholic Charities Refugee Integration Services “works with refugee communities and other partners to design programs that leverage community assets to facilitate the integration of refugees and immigrants into communities across southeastern Wisconsin.”
“Our Immigrations services are comprised of an attorney-based program that helps local immigrants find their best legal options,” the page continues.
According to Forbes, Catholic Charities USA received $1.4 billion in “government support” and according to Influence Watch: “In 2021, Catholic Charities USA received over $2 million in federal grants, including $601,000 from the Department of Justice, $595,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, $573,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and $244,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service.”
Social media users reacted to the video and blasted the organization for enabling illegal aliens.
EXPOSED: Catholic Charities Coaching Illegals on How to Evade Immigration Authorities!
Watch this shocking video where Catholic Charities openly instructs illegals on how to dodge ICE, avoid answering questions, and game the system.
These tactics aren’t about “rights”—they’re… pic.twitter.com/hfgJXfwsv2
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) January 27, 2025
Defund Catholic Charities now, they’re using our tax dollars to aid illegal immigration and undermine ICE.
Their actions are unacceptable and go against the interests of American citizens, it’s time to hold them accountable.
We need to stand strong against organizations that…
— Stop Socialist Tyranny (@endlibtyranny) January 27, 2025
Time to Defund Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and all NGO that facilitate illegal alien invasion
— MAGA Lass🍊🍊🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@MagaLass) January 27, 2025
If these are the new practices of Catholic Charities then they should be defunded and made ineligible for any grants or taxpayor funded payments immediately.
— Mac (@Southampton27) January 27, 2025
It’s infuriating when organizations like Catholic Charities, which are supposed to be about helping people, start actively undermining the laws that are in place to protect our country.
Our tax dollars should not be used to support actions that break the law. It’s time for full…
— MAG🔫1775🇺🇸 (@Mar50cC5O) January 27, 2025
Please DO NOT associate Catholic Charities with the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has nothing to do with this organization, nor does it get any funding from the Church. It’s probable some non-Catholics work for this group.