In a move that has stirred significant concern among Catholics dedicated to upholding the sanctity of life and the integrity of national borders, the Biden administration has been caught on video auctioning off unused sections of the southern border wall. This action, just weeks before Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, appears to be a calculated effort to thwart his plans for border security.
The footage, which has emerged from areas near Tucson, Arizona, known for frequent illegal crossings, shows flatbed trucks removing steel barriers that were part of the border wall project initiated under Trump’s previous administration. According to a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent speaking under anonymity, approximately half a mile of wall components are being dismantled and moved each day from sections in Nogales, Tucson, and Three Points, with the aim of clearing all materials before December 25, 2024.
From a Catholic perspective, this situation raises several moral and ethical concerns:
- Stewardship and Responsibility: The Church teaches the principle of stewardship, which involves responsible management of resources. Selling off border wall materials at a loss, potentially undermining the safety and sovereignty of the nation, can be seen as a failure in this duty. These materials, funded by taxpayers, were intended to secure borders, a function that aligns with the Church’s teaching on the right to a homeland and the protection of families and communities.
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person: While the Church advocates for the humane treatment of migrants and refugees, it also recognizes the right of countries to control their borders to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. The dismantling of the wall could lead to an increased risk of illegal crossings, potentially endangering lives due to the lack of safe and legal pathways for immigration.
- Solidarity and the Common Good: The act of selling these materials at what appears to be a significantly reduced price is criticized by some as not serving the common good. Instead, it might benefit certain political agendas at the expense of national security and the welfare of American citizens, contradicting the Catholic principle of solidarity, which calls for actions that contribute to the good of all society.
- Justice and Charity: The Church emphasizes justice alongside charity. The Biden administration’s decision here is seen by critics as an act of political sabotage rather than one based on justice or charity. If these materials were no longer needed, they could have been repurposed or donated in a manner that would serve the common good, rather than sold off in haste.
- Truth and Transparency: The lack of transparency in this process is also a point of contention. The Church values truth and the ethical handling of information. The secretive nature of these auctions, especially so close to a change in administration, suggests a lack of openness that is contrary to these values.
Catholic leaders and laity who have been vocal about immigration, border security, and life issues are likely to view this as a troubling misuse of authority and resources, especially in light of the upcoming change in leadership. There’s a call among some for the incoming Trump administration to address this swiftly, ensuring that future border security measures are not only resumed but are also conducted with a commitment to Catholic social teaching’s principles of justice, solidarity, and the protection of life.
The Church, while advocating for the rights of immigrants, also calls for policies that respect the rule of law and the rights of all individuals involved, including those of the nation receiving migrants. This incident underscores the complex balance between welcoming the stranger and maintaining the integrity of national borders as part of the Church’s broader social justice teachings.
