1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I’m writing as a concerned constituent, a lifelong Christian, and a believer in our nation’s founding principles of liberty and justice for all. I am deeply troubled by recent news of federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly the shootings in Minneapolis and ongoing ICE operations. Recent reporting confirms that a 37-year-old United States citizen — a nurse and community member — was shot and killed by federal agents during an ICE-related operation in Minneapolis, and that another fatal shooting by an ICE agent was officially ruled a homicide last week. Both incidents have sparked widespread concern over the use of lethal force by federal agents outside traditional border enforcement contexts. As a Christian, I constantly ask myself: What would Jesus do? Jesus taught us to protect the vulnerable, honor human dignity, and pursue justice with mercy (Micah 6:8). The images and accounts coming from these operations — where deaths of civilians are being reported and contested — raise serious moral questions about the methods being used and whether innocent lives are being put at risk. I also believe strongly in the principles found on the Gadsden “Don’t Tread On Me” standard — personal liberty, limited government, and government restraint. When ICE conducts aggressive enforcement actions deep inside American cities, rather than focusing resources where the greatest threats lie (data shows the highest detention and enforcement activity is on the southern border in states like Texas and Louisiana, with far larger detainee populations than in cities like Minneapolis), it feels like a misuse of force that runs counter to those principles. Beyond the shootings, there are credible reports of severe issues in detention facilities, including overcrowding and violations of standards at large sites such as Camp East Montana in Texas. These conditions undermine America’s moral credibility at home and abroad — harming our reputation as a nation that respects human rights and the rule of law, and making foreign partners question whether the U.S. is a stable place to invest and do business. I’m worried about: 1. Innocent lives lost — whether in Minneapolis or other communities — and the moral responsibility of federal agents to minimize harm. 2. Detention conditions that do not meet basic humane standards, especially for those with no criminal convictions. 3. A sense of political violence and fear in cities where federal enforcement appears disproportionate to the local issues, creating the perception of political targeting rather than clear law enforcement priorities. 4. International perception and economic impact if the U.S. is seen as abandoning constitutional and human rights in its enforcement actions. I respectfully urge you to consider the following actions: Call for independent investigations and transparency into the use of lethal force by ICE and other federal agents, particularly in cases where bystander footage contradicts official accounts. Support funding conditions or oversight measures that ensure humane treatment in detention facilities and compliance with U.S. laws and standards. Press for enforcement priorities that focus on real threats at the border, rather than expansive internal operations that create fear and erode trust in law enforcement. Advocate for bipartisan solutions that uphold safety, dignity, due process, and the constitutional rights of all people — regardless of immigration status. As a Christian and citizen, I believe we must act with both courage and compassion. I pray you will use your voice to protect life, defend liberty, and uphold justice — not just for those in need of enforcement, but for all Americans who deserve safety without undue government overreach. Thank you for your time and service.