MN Catholic Conference director, other faith leaders call for ‘off-ramp’ to immigration enforcement ‘crisis’
ST. PAUL, Minn. (OSV News) — Urging federal, state and local elected officials in Minnesota to chart an “off-ramp from this crisis” of increased federal immigration enforcement, Minnesota Catholic Conference Executive Director Jason Adkins and leaders of a Christian and a Jewish organization suggested a five-pronged approach Jan. 23.
“In recent weeks we have been alarmed by stories of the too many Minnesota residents (citizens and immigrants) who’ve suffered under what the federal government itself calls ‘Operation Metro Surge,'” their open letter read. “We are also concerned by the toll this crisis is inflicting on the trusted relationships that must exist between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect.”
The letter was issued a day ahead of the second fatal shooting in Minneapolis this year by a federal immigration officer.
Complex factors
Factors driving the crisis are complex, including a broken immigration system, wrote Adkins, who was joined by Carl Nelson, president and CEO of Richfield-based Transform Minnesota, which seeks to connect Christian leaders, and Steve Hunegs, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, based in St. Louis Park. Based in St. Paul, MCC is the public policy voice of Minnesota’s Catholic bishops.
“But despite profound differences within our communities and our nation more broadly on immigration policy, all of our elected officials share a moral obligation to protect human dignity, preserve civil peace, and reduce the risk that more people will be harmed or even killed before this current crisis ends,” they wrote.
Five-pronged approach
Asking for a “united Minnesota vision that prioritizes de-escalation,” the letter writers suggested:
“Promoting collaboration among federal and state law enforcement agencies to remove dangerous people from our streets;
“Respecting the need for federal immigration reform and curtailing immigration enforcement against law-abiding undocumented immigrants and those pursuing legal pathways our own government has created;
“Respecting the civil and human rights of undocumented immigrants and those pursuing legal pathways our own government has created;
“Protecting the most vulnerable among us who are afraid to work, go to school, or event to procure the basic necessities of life; and
“Restoring safety, security and calm in our streets, workplaces, especially in places of sanctuary such as schools and houses of worship.”
“This is the moment for responsible leadership that reduces the risk that this terrible crisis may become even worse,” the letter concluded. “Minnesota needs to act together — now.”
Joe Ruff is editor-in-chief of The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. OSV News contributed to this story. This story was originally published by The Catholic Spirit and distributed through a partnership with OSV News.
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