We are thrilled to welcome Mario Russell, the Executive Director of the Center for Migration Studies (CMS). CMS is a Catholic think tank devoted to the study of international migration. Mario talks about the background of the center and the research they are engaged in. He talks about his experience as a recent college graduate in the 1980s working with an immigrant community as President Regan’s amnesty program was signed into law, providing a pathway for over 3 million migrants to legalize their status. He speaks about the rule of law and the value of tempering law with compassion and mercy. Mario offers his perspective on diverse topics including climate refugees, family separation, mass deportations, and asylum reform.

Brian and Joe reflect on the results of a strict adherence to the rule of law, which has contributed to the drastic increase in migrant detention in the U.S. They share the story of a recent experience celebrating Mass together at an ICE detention center in Port Isabel, TX. The experience brought one of the men to tears as he reflected on what he is grateful for in light of the Gospel of the day, in which one of the ten lepers healed by Jesus returned to give thanks.