The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced it will end its 50-year partnership with the federal government to help refugees and migrant children, following the halt of funding by the Trump administration.

The USCCB will not renew agreements to provide services to refugees and unaccompanied migrant children, with programs ending by the end of September.

“This heartbreaking decision will result in fewer services for the needy,” Archbishop Timothy Broglio, USCCB president, said in a statement. “We cannot sustain the work on our own at current levels.”

The bishops will not renew their agreements with the government, though the duration of the current agreements remains unclear.

In February, the bishops sued the Trump administration for halting refugee aid, but a judge ruled the case should go to federal claims court. The bishops are appealing the decision.

Archbishop Broglio's statement did not specify the children’s services affected. He noted that Catholic agencies, which have been resettling displaced people for a century, now face the challenge of finding alternative support for refugees.

Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance had accused the bishops of resettling illegal immigrants for federal funds, a claim the bishops rejected, explaining they receive less aid than the programme costs and rely on charitable donations.

Pope Francis indirectly rebuked Vance, emphasising Christian charity for all in need.