By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a rare condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and advocated for “meaningful immigration reform.”

“We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools,” the bishops said in a special message, the first of its kind in 12 years.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration efforts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The message echoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for “deep reflection” about the way migrants are being treated in the U.S. under Trump.

The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office ea

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