FBI’s Shocking Surveillance — Catholics Under Watch

People sitting in church pews during service

Fresh revelations from a Congressional report have rocked Washington, exposing that the FBI, under the Biden administration, orchestrated a sweeping surveillance campaign targeting Catholics—raising grave concerns about religious freedom, politicized law enforcement, and the unchecked power of federal agencies.

Story Snapshot

  • House Judiciary Committee report reveals FBI surveillance of Catholic priests and parishes during Biden’s presidency.
  • FBI probe relied on questionable sources, targeting mainstream Catholics with little evidence of extremism.
  • Documents show coordination across multiple FBI offices and even international branches.
  • Congressional leaders and Catholic advocates call for sweeping reforms and accountability.

Congressional Report Exposes FBI Surveillance of Catholics

The House Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), released an interim staff report on July 22, 2025, outlining the extent of FBI surveillance on Catholic communities during the Biden administration. According to the report, the FBI’s actions went far beyond investigating credible threats, targeting “radical-traditionalist” Catholics—a term the FBI itself struggled to define—and mainstream parishes without legitimate justification. The committee’s findings indicate that the probe was based on thin evidence, including reports from the Southern Poverty Law Center and media articles rather than concrete intelligence. These revelations have intensified scrutiny of the agency’s motives and methods, particularly given the Biden administration’s history of increased federal oversight and controversial law enforcement tactics.

The report confirmed that the FBI’s efforts involved not just its Richmond field office, where the scandal first surfaced in early 2023, but also extended to national headquarters and even international coordination with the bureau’s London office. Among the most alarming disclosures was the surveillance of a Catholic priest’s travel and financial records. Congressional subpoenas uncovered proposals to infiltrate parishes and monitor confidential conversations between clergy and parishioners. The use of SPLC materials—long criticized for broad and sometimes politically motivated labels—raised further alarms among civil liberties advocates. The committee condemned the FBI’s actions as an egregious violation of First Amendment rights and demanded full transparency from federal law enforcement leadership.

Biden Administration’s Record Under Fire

Former President Joe Biden, who has publicly identified as a practicing Catholic, now faces harsh criticism for the actions of his Justice Department. The targeting of religious communities by the very administration that claimed to champion civil rights and tolerance is seen by many as a glaring contradiction and a betrayal of fundamental American freedoms. The House Judiciary Committee’s investigation revealed that FBI Director Christopher Wray and other senior officials authorized and expanded the probe, despite repeated concerns from within the agency and from outside experts about its legal and ethical justifications. Congressional Republicans and Catholic advocacy groups argue that this episode is emblematic of the prior administration’s willingness to use federal power to advance ideological goals at the expense of constitutional principles.

The Catholic League and other faith-based organizations have joined the chorus of voices demanding accountability. They point to the chilling effect these revelations may have on religious expression and the trust between communities of faith and federal law enforcement. The Catholic League’s public statements emphasize the need for reforms that prevent future abuses and restore confidence in the impartiality of government agencies. They also highlight the broader implications for all Americans concerned about the creeping politicization of the FBI and other federal bodies.

Broader Implications: Trust, Liberty, and the Rule of Law

Short-term consequences of the FBI’s surveillance campaign are already apparent. Trust between Catholic communities and law enforcement has eroded, and the political debate over the “weaponization” of federal agencies has intensified. Congressional leaders are considering legislative reforms to limit domestic surveillance of religious groups and to ensure stricter oversight of federal investigations. Legal experts warn that the use of unverified sources, such as SPLC reports, sets a dangerous precedent for profiling and targeting law-abiding citizens based on their beliefs or associations.

Long-term impacts could be even more profound. The scandal threatens to permanently damage the FBI’s reputation for neutrality and respect for civil rights. Proposed policy changes include requirements for clear evidentiary standards before opening investigations involving religious organizations and enhanced transparency requirements for federal law enforcement. The episode has sparked renewed calls from conservatives, faith leaders, and advocates of constitutional liberty for a return to the foundational principles of American governance: freedom of religion, limited government, and accountability for those in power.

Calls for Reform and Ongoing Investigation

The House Judiciary Committee’s investigation is ongoing, with further hearings and document releases expected in the coming months. Lawmakers are pressing for disciplinary action against officials responsible for the surveillance program and exploring statutory changes to prevent similar abuses in the future. The Catholic League and other advocacy groups continue to demand answers, while legal scholars and civil libertarians dissect the implications for First Amendment protections and the separation of church and state.

Catholic communities and other faith-based organizations are watching closely, determined to defend their rights and push back against what they see as an overreaching federal apparatus. As the nation grapples with the fallout from the FBI’s Catholic probe, the enduring question remains: How can America ensure that the ideals of religious liberty and limited government are not just words, but reality for every citizen?

Sources:

Catholic League, “FBI Documents on Catholic Probe Need Answers”

Hoodline, “Richmond FBI Accused of Spying on Catholic Priest”

House Judiciary Committee Interim Staff Report (July 22, 2025)

YouTube, “FBI Spying on Catholics?”