Detroit Archbishop Condemns ICE Killings, Child Separations

Warns America is risking its soul, urges humane immigration reform

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

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In a powerful op-ed, the Archbishop of Detroit, Edward J. Weisenburger, condemns recent incidents of violence by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the traumatic separation of a 5-year-old child from his asylum-seeking parents. Weisenburger calls for an independent investigation into these incidents, rather than internal probes, and demands the restoration of innocent children separated from their families. He argues that the failure of the federal government to enact reasonable immigration reform has led to this "humanitarian and moral crisis" and urges legislators to find a balanced approach that respects borders while also showing mercy, in line with Christian teachings.

Why it matters

The Archbishop's op-ed highlights growing concerns over the aggressive tactics and alleged misconduct of ICE, which many view as undermining America's values and eroding public trust. His call for reform resonates with a broader debate over the country's immigration policies and the treatment of asylum-seekers and undocumented immigrants.

The details

Weisenburger recounts his experience working with immigrants and asylum-seekers while serving as Bishop of Tucson, Arizona, and how it shaped his perspective. He condemns the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents, which were ruled homicides, as well as the traumatic separation of a 5-year-old child from his asylum-seeking parents. The Archbishop argues that the federal government's failure to enact meaningful immigration reform has led to this crisis, and he urges legislators to find a balanced approach that respects borders while also showing mercy, in line with Christian teachings.

  • In the last few weeks, a 5-year-old child, Liam Conejo Ramos, was separated from his mother and quickly sent with his father from Minnesota to a detention center in Texas.
  • The killing of Renee Good by ICE agents was ruled a homicide by the local medical examiner's office.
  • The tragic death of Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs Hospital nurse, also raised concerns about the use of force by federal agents.

The players

Edward J. Weisenburger

The Archbishop of Detroit who is condemning the recent incidents of violence by ICE agents and calling for immigration reform.

Renee Good

An individual whose death at the hands of ICE agents was ruled a homicide by the local medical examiner's office.

Alex Pretti

A Veterans Affairs Hospital nurse whose tragic death also raised concerns about the use of force by federal agents.

Liam Conejo Ramos

A 5-year-old child who was separated from his mother and quickly sent with his father from Minnesota to a detention center in Texas.

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What they’re saying

“What you do to the least among you, you do to me”

— Jesus Christ (The Bible)

The takeaway

The Archbishop's op-ed highlights the growing moral and humanitarian crisis surrounding the aggressive tactics of ICE and the failure of the federal government to enact meaningful immigration reform. His call for an independent investigation and the restoration of separated families underscores the deep concerns over the erosion of America's values and the need for a balanced, humane approach to immigration policy.