After ICE shooting of U.S. citizen, Minneapolis archbishop pleads for prayers, calm

People take part in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York on Jan. 7, 2026, after an ICE officer shot dead a woman in Minneapolis. | Credit: Bryan R. SMITH/AFP/Getty Images

Jan 7, 2026 / 19:32 pm (CNA).

Saint Paul and Minneapolis Archbishop Bernard Hebda on Jan. 7 pleaded for prayers and calm after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot and killed a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis.

Officials said the ICE officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good after what was reported as an altercation in the street in south Minneapolis. The officer reportedly fired into Good’s vehicle after she apparently attempted to drive away while surrounded by agents.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem alleged on Jan. 7 that Good was “harassing and impeding” agents prior to the shooting. Law enforcement including the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are investigating the incident.

‘We need to lower the temperature of rhetoric’

Hebda in his statement pleaded for “all people of goodwill 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,” the prelate said.

“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 continued. “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,” Hebda added.

The archbishop was referencing a November 2025 statement from the U.S. bishops urging immigration reform and opposing the indiscriminate mass deportation of immigrants who lack legal status.

“We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement,” the bishops said at the time. “We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials.”

Officials in Minnesota responded with criticism to the shooting on Jan. 7. State Gov. Tim Walz in a post on X decried what he called the “propaganda machine” surrounding the incident, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said officials were “demanding ICE to leave the city immediately.”

Hebda, meanwhile, said in his statement: “It is only by working together — with God’s help — that we will have peace in our communities, state, and world.”