The Archbishop of Portland -- John Vlazny -- has issued a statement concerning the immigration raid in North Portland Tuesday.

Archbishop Vlazny called the raid "an affront to a nation whose tradition has always welcomed the stranger in search of the security and livelihood which he cannot find in the country of his origin."

Recognizing the stress and turmoil such raids place on family members of those arrested, the Archbishop encouraged "Catholic parishes and individuals to offer assistance and support to families that have been affected by this raid."

The Archdiocese of Portland joins with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in supporting passage of a "just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in Congress."

Federal agents raided the Fresh Del Monte Produce plant Tuesday.