The militarization of law enforcement in U.S. cities must stop—now.
Life is a sacred gift, and the Gospel calls us to love even those with whom we disagree. As Christians, we are bound to care for one another as brothers and sisters, without exception. This call feels especially urgent in the wake of the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, who was shot and killed on January 7, 2026, by a masked federal immigration enforcement agent in Minneapolis.
Video footage shows Ms. Good smiling at the officer and saying, “I’m not mad at you.” Her hands were on the steering wheel, and she was clearly unarmed. She was shot as she attempted to drive away after receiving conflicting orders by approaching ICE agents—one telling her to move her car and stop blocking the street, and another demanding that she get out of the car and attempting to open her car door. Despite the lack of verified evidence, federal officials have quickly labeled her a “domestic terrorist,” a claim not supported by publicly available video. The FBI’s decision to take sole control of the investigation, rather than work jointly with Minnesota authorities, deepens public mistrust and fuels concerns about a full and independent investigation
Across the country, citizens, asylum seekers, and immigrants pursuing legal status have been detained on city streets by masked agents, placed into unmarked vehicles, and taken to unknown locations—often without warrants or due process. Such tactics are alarming. Anyone seized under these conditions could reasonably believe they are being kidnapped.
For months, millions have protested peacefully, calling for due process and affirming that all people are innocent until proven guilty, regardless of immigration status. These demonstrations transcend political affiliation, religion, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, identity, or ability. They are rooted in a shared demand for respect for the inherent dignity of every person, made in the image of God.
Catholic social teaching is clear. St. John Paul II, drawing on Gaudium et Spes, named mass deportation among actions that offend human dignity and disgrace humanity. The U.S. Catholic Bishops have likewise condemned mass deportation as a violation of human dignity.
The United States still has much work to do to live up to the promises of its founding ideals. Division fueled by lies, intolerance, greed, fear and suspicion of one another has eroded trust in government and weakened respect for due process. Building a more perfect union requires leaders and all of us to act for the common good, honor human rights, and uphold human dignity. Progress toward the “beloved community” may be slow, but our hope endures. The arc of history may bend slowly, but it bends toward justice. Rooted in Gospel values, let us raise our voices together: stop the killing, stop racial profiling, stop intimidation and persecution. Let us stand in solidarity with those who suffer and protect the human rights of all.
