Catholic leaders in Minnesota are calling the faithful to prayer, restraint, and renewed respect for human dignity following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis.
According to Catholic News Agency, the incident occurred on Jan. 7, when a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good during a street encounter in south Minneapolis. Officials said the officer fired into Good’s vehicle after she attempted to drive away while surrounded by agents, according to federal statements cited by Catholic News Agency.
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The shooting is currently under investigation by the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Catholic News Agency reported that U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alleged Good had been “harassing and impeding” agents prior to the shooting.
In response, Saint Paul and Minneapolis Archbishop Bernard Hebda issued a statement urging prayer and calm. “I plead for all people of goodwill to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community,” Hebda said, according to Catholic News Agency.
The archbishop emphasized the need to resist escalating rhetoric and fear in the wake of violence. “We continue to be at a time in this country when we need to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation, and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God,” he said, according to Catholic News Agency.
Hebda stressed that this moral responsibility applies to all people, regardless of background or role. “That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for enforcing our laws,” he said. He added, “I echo today the repeated call of the U.S. Catholic bishops that we come together as a nation and pass meaningful immigration reform that does justice to all parties,” according to Catholic News Agency.
“The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes,” the archbishop warned.
Catholic News Agency noted that Hebda’s remarks reference a November 2025 statement from the U.S. bishops opposing indiscriminate mass deportations and calling for an end to rhetoric that fuels division. In that statement, the bishops said, “We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement,” and added, “We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation.”
Civil officials also responded forcefully. According to Catholic News Agency, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized what he called a “propaganda machine” surrounding the incident, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said city officials were “demanding ICE to leave the city immediately.”
In closing, Hebda emphasized that peace must be pursued together and rooted in faith. “It is only by working together — with God’s help — that we will have peace in our communities, state, and world,” he said, according to Catholic News Agency.
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