South African Reflection: It is time!

Source: Jesuit Institute South Africa

Donald Trump does not, in my opinion, deserve any more airtime than he already gets. I am incensed at many of his irrational decisions (and obvious need for power and recognition). In particular, his deployment of ICE agents throughout mostly Democratic states, and the resulting tragic and unnecessary murder of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last weekend, brought out my disgust and anger.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was created as part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, following the September 11 attacks under the George W Bush administration. "The stated mission of ICE is to conduct criminal investigations, enforce immigration laws, preserve national security, and protect public safety." Trump's ICE agents, explicitly labelled as such, as ICE did not act like this during the Obama or Biden administrations, are noted as wearing masks, driving unmarked cars and brandishing military-style weapons. In some circles, they are described as "secret police" or "paramilitary civilian law enforcement agents".

I would describe them as a lawless vigilante group who have completely lost the plot! Am I wrong to assume that these are possibly Christian, intelligent people who know right from wrong? By all means, carry out investigations, enforce immigration laws, and protect public safety. But please note that nowhere does the mission statement refer to killing people, separating families and locking children in cages!

In an article by Dannica Ramirez published in January 2026, Ricky, a 53-year-old US military member from Pennsylvania, said, "I was also a cop, and I never hid my face, badge, or name." If these ICE agents believe in their role, why are they hiding their identities? Why not be proud of the role they are playing in serving their country?

I have also seen reels this week quoting German-born Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim Anne Frank, relating to Alex Pretti's death and the actions of ICE. An excerpt from "Diary of Anne Frank", written January 13, 1943, states, "Terrible things are happening outside. Poor, helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart. Men, women, and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared." History repeats itself, and these words are haunting.

I can only watch on in horror and thank God that my children are here with me in South Africa.

But the US situation draws me home and makes me consider, more closely, the similar situations in my own country. The ICE actions are reminiscent of xenophobia experienced by many in South Africa. Foreigners, legal or illegal, are also attacked in the streets, dragged out of their homes and killed. They have fallen victim to South African citizens (vigilantes) who have misinterpreted the law and taken the law into their own hands. These attacks, too, are politically driven in many instances.

What does Jesus tell us about foreigners and people different from us? What is his example? His teachings and actions towards the "strangers" and "neighbours", which included the marginalised, emphasised love, inclusion, hospitality, compassion and understanding. Jesus engaged with the Gentiles, Samaritans and Romans. His interactions with foreigners and his instructions to his disciples highlighted service, humility, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. He commanded us to "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). It is time to heed these words. It is time to be Christ-like. It is time to be tolerant. It is time to realise, understand and internalise that we are on this Earth to bring glory to God, not ourselves!

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