As Chair of the Lubbock Democratic Party and incoming Hockley Democratic Chair we are deeply concerned by recent reports and videos showing aggressive and violent conduct by federal immigration agents in cities across our country.
This concern intensified on Jan. 24, when Alex Pettit, a Good Samaritan and ICU Nurse by attempting to assist another person, was shot and killed during an immigration enforcement operation.
Mr. Pettit was using his 2nd Amendment right by being a gun owner and holder. He had this right to carry but still sustained multiple gunshot wounds for having a gun which led to his untimely death.
He was not the subject of the enforcement action.
Incidents like this raise urgent and painful questions about the use of force, accountability, and the safety of everyday Americans who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This should matter to every community, including Lubbock.
Families deserve to know that helping a neighbor will not place them in mortal danger.
Parents and teachers deserve assurance that schools and neighborhoods will not become sites of fear. Faith communities deserve to ask whether the values so often invoked in political rhetoric—life, family, and compassion—are being honored in practice.
For years, Republican leaders have claimed to stand for “law and order,” “family values,” and “pro-life” principles.
Yet when faced with deaths and serious injuries connected to enforcement actions, too many remain silent.
Silence in moments like this is not neutral.
As people of faith, we must ask: What does moral leadership require of us now?
Compassion for the vulnerable and respect for human life should not stop at a border or depend on immigration status.
America—and West Texas—can demand secure borders while also demanding humanity, restraint and accountability.
It is time for our leaders to say enough.
Aaron Gonzalez is the incoming Hockley County Democratic Party Chair whose term starts in June 2026. Margie Ceja is Lubbock County Democratic Party Chair who is seeking re-election to that position.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock, Hockley County Democratic leaders condemn MN ICE shooting
Reporting by By Aaron Gonzalez and Margie Ceja / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
