Cupich to priests: Don't let ICE in without a warrant

"We need to stand together and clearly make it known that the Archdiocese of Chicago supports the dignity of all persons without regard to immigration status," Cupich wrote.

Until there is comprehensive immigration reform passed by Congress, he urged the priests to "stand in solidarity with those who live in the shadows."

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials come to Chicago Catholic facilities, they should politely be sent away, unless they have a warrant, Cupich wrote. He urged priests to contact the legal offices of the archdiocese if they are approached by immigration authorities.

While ICE has till now largely spared church facilities from immigration enforcement efforts, there is no legal requirement that they do so. Immigration advocates recently expressed alarm at the arrest of immigrants who had just left a church homeless shelter in Virginia. That incident took place Feb. 8 outside the Rising Hope Mission Church shelter in Alexandria. Six men were taken away by ICE agents at that time.