Detroit archbishop joins prayers, calls for de-escalation after death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, 37, following ICE shooting
DETROIT — Following the death of a Minnesota woman shot and killed by a federal immigration agent Jan. 7 in Minneapolis, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger joined bishops around the U.S. in calling for peace, prayers and a renewed respect for human life.
In a Friday statement, Archbishop Weisenburger said he joined his prayers to those of Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul-Minneapolis and all U.S. Catholics, expressing concern over the rising violence and urging a greater emphasis on human dignity.
"Recent events in Minneapolis, in which a confrontation resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, have raised deep concern about how quickly situations involving federal law enforcement can escalate to the use of lethal force," Archbishop Weisenburger said. "The sorrow felt by many has deepened into profound distress and anger as questions continue to emerge regarding the circumstances of the incident.
"I join with Archbishop Hebda, the Archbishop of Minneapolis-St. Paul, in calling all people of good will to a time of prayer for the victim, her family, and that community, and echo his words that, '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,'" Archbishop Weisenburger added.
Good, 37, originally from Colorado, was shot and killed during an incident involving an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was conducting immigration enforcement sweeps in the Twin Cities.
Police said Good, a U.S. citizen, was in her vehicle at the time of the shooting, and suffered a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.
The shooting has raised deep concerns across the country about the use of lethal force by law enforcement, even as the investigation into the incident continues to unfold.
"This tragic loss of life stands as a sobering reminder of the grave consequences that arise when confrontations escalate and lethal force is used unnecessarily," Archbishop Weisenburger said. "The taking of life in such circumstances crosses a moral line and can never be justified. In this moment, we are called as a nation to renew our commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every human person and the sanctity of every human life, without exception."
The value of human life must weigh heavily in every situation, especially those where tensions are high, the archbishop added.
"With pastoral concern, I urge ICE and all law enforcement agencies to adopt practices that honor the dignity of those they serve by prioritizing de-escalation, using non-lethal means whenever possible, and allowing space for peaceful expressions of grief and protest," Archbishop Weisenburger said. "These are not simply matters of policy, but moral obligations rooted in our shared belief in the God-given value of every human life.
"In this challenging time, I invite all Americans to reflect on how we can collectively build a culture of peace, restraint, and mutual respect for one another," the archbishop concluded. "Trusting in God’s guidance, let us recommit ourselves, through our words and our daily actions, to the path that honors the precious gift of life."
The shooting has prompted several large gatherings, including a vigil held for the victim in Minneapolis Jan. 7. Public schools in Minneapolis were closed Jan. 8-9 due to safety concerns related to the shooting incident.
