"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. 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."
This is part of the statement from Archbishop Bernard Hebda on the day of a deadly shooting in his city related to ICE raids.
On January 7 in the morning, a federal officer shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, Renee Nicole Good.
Videos of the incident have been widely circulated. The interpretation of the incident provided by the federal government is at odds with the interpretation provided by local leaders (the governor and mayor) in Minneapolis.
Large crowds gathered in a vigil for the woman later in the day (pictured above).
Archbishop Hebda's January 7 statement after the shooting referred back to his request for prayers on December 23, amid concerns from some about attending Christmas Masses amid immigration enforcement activity.
The prelate's statement said there must be immigration reform. "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. The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes."
Same city as Catholic school shooting
Two students, 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, were killed, and 15 other children were injured.
In December, the archbishop led a rite at the church so that it could be reclaimed for worship.
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Below are the texts of both his statements:
From January 7
Following this morning’s deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community.
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. 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. 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. The longer we refuse to grapple with this issue in the political arena, the more divisive and violent it becomes.
It is only by working together – with God’s help – that we will have peace in our communities, state and world.
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From December 23, 2025
As Christians prepare to celebrate Christmas, I ask all people of good will – no matter their faith background or practice – to take a moment to pray. We are at a moment 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. That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for carrying out our laws.
For centuries, Catholic churches have been places of refuge, where the old, the young, the rich, the poor, the saint and the sinner can all come together to worship God. I’m hoping that many will join us at Mass throughout the Christmas season and experience the sense of community for which our hearts long. Local Department of Homeland Security officials have recently reiterated to Archdiocesan representatives that they do not intend to conduct enforcement actions at churches and K-12 schools, unless there is an imminent public safety threat. We are unaware of any enforcement actions in our parishes and schools in these past weeks and months and have no reason to believe that will change.
Please know that you will be most welcome to worship with us at any of our Catholic parishes this Christmas, to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace long ago in Bethlehem, and to reaffirm our ties as brothers and sisters, all children of our loving God. Blessed Christmas!
