Statement Regarding ICE in Minnesota

Dear Beloved Community,

As I write this, I am enjoying my last day with one grandbaby before heading out tomorrow morning, flying across the country to see another. And yet, even in the midst of my joy and season of renewal, I understand this past week has been marked by profound sadness and concern for many in our state. On January 7, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minnesotan, was fatally shot by an agent of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Her death has grieved communities across Minnesota and the nation and prompted many questions about justice, mercy, and how we treat our neighbors.

Here at home in our beloved community of Detroit Lakes, we have also felt the impact of these events. A vigil was held at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Detroit Lakes to honor Renee’s life and to stand in solidarity with her family and those affected by these tragic circumstances. Many from our community gathered to pray for peace, healing, and justice in the wake of this loss.

In addition to mourning, people are talking about the presence of federal ICE agents in Detroit Lakes. Recent reporting confirms that ICE personnel have been operating in our area, including at a local restaurant where an individual was taken into custody by ICE officers. Don and I were just talking today about how many of the businesses he hauls for have been severely impacted by these events. One location had over 30 individuals call out of work because they are too scared to leave their homes.

These developments — both the tragic death of Renee and the noticeable federal law-enforcement activity in our own community — raise many emotions: sadness, fear, frustration, and deep concern for our immigrant neighbors, as well as for all who feel vulnerable or uncertain in these times.

As Christians, these circumstances call us not to despair but to engage our community through prayer, compassion, and faith-rooted action. Scripture reminds us: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” — Isaiah 1:17

As a congregation, we need to respond with prayer, for Renee’s family, and for all who feel threatened by recent events. We need to pray for wisdom for our local, state, and federal leaders to act justly and for the peace of our communities. However, we cannot simply pray; we must act.  Therefore, I encourage all of you to reach out with love and support to our immigrant neighbors, workers, and families who may feel uncertain or afraid during increased enforcement actions.  I challenge you to continue to love our neighbors as Christ commands, offering a welcoming presence and practical help where appropriate.

Our congregation at Detroit Lakes will provide safe, respectful spaces to talk about these events, to share feelings, and to seek understanding rooted in the Gospel of Christ. And even when we disagree on policies or government actions, we can listen with compassion and speak in ways that build community, not division.

Friends, it is natural to be unsettled by these events. But we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our hope is in a God who comforts the brokenhearted, who calls us to seek peace, and who invites us to be instruments of reconciliation in a fractured world.

Even though I cannot be with you this Sunday, I invite you to join us during worship on Sunday as we lift these heavy concerns together in worship, prayer, and community support. May the peace of Christ — which surpasses all understanding — guard your hearts and minds.

With love in Christ,

Pastor Leslie