Not All Are Bad: A Call for Justice, Truth, and Compassion

+JMJ+

I was raped by a man.

So… all men are evil?

I was raped by a priest.

So… all priests are bad?

A rape victim lied about certain aspects of their story.

So… all rape victims are liars?

A police officer used undue force on a perpetrator.

So… all police officers are bad?

A female teacher sent inappropriate messages to a male student.

So… all teachers (especially females) are dangerous?

A husband beat his wife.

So… all married men are abusive?

See the problem here?

Abuse, injustice, and evil absolutely exist. We must not deny or ignore that. But condemning entire professions based on the wrongdoing of some individuals is both unfair and harmful.

Law enforcement (especially immigration enforcement as of late) has become a deeply emotional and controversial topic. I understand why. There have been failures and real harm in some cases. But broad, hateful generalizations (like comparing ICE to Nazis) do not help. In fact, they do the opposite. They promote fear, division, and bitterness, and they ignore the lives and stories of so many people.

In my case, local law enforcement and ICE played a crucial role in securing justice when my rapist (who was in the U.S. on a green card) was arrested and later deported. I am sincerely grateful for that. My rapist might never have been deported if it weren’t for my husband’s connection to law enforcement and ICE.

When I was notified of my rapist’s upcoming prison release years back, I was informed that he was scheduled to be released to an address about a mile from my home. Thankfully, ICE was able to intervene to ensure his deportation. Had they not intervened, there’s a strong chance he would have been allowed to remain here, unnoticed, unmonitored...and down the street from my family.

The priest who hurt me (and many others) broke the law. He took advantage of the very country that welcomed him. He deserved to face real consequences. ICE helped to ensure that.

This isn’t about ignoring faults or pretending every officer is above reproach. It’s about recognizing that many in law enforcement are simply doing their jobs often in dangerous, thankless circumstances. They do this selfishly in order to protect and help people. They often face threats to their safety. Their families are often targeted as well. Some feel the need to conceal their identities (such as with masks). It’s not to hide, but to survive and keep their families safe.

That’s the reality many of them live with.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Matthew 5:9

Several people close to me serve in law enforcement, and I’ve witnessed the weight they carry. I’ve seen the personal cost of their commitment to public service. I’ve seen the cost to their loved ones. There are some people serving who are not perfect, but law enforcement agencies as a whole are certainly not the enemy.

When we use language that vilifies entire agencies or compare those who serve to historical monsters, we add to the climate of hostility they already face. These statements don’t correct injustice. Rather, they inflame it. Whether we mean to or not, we become part of the problem.

Think about that the next time you’re tempted to make a sweeping judgment especially publicly.

We can and should advocate for fairness, reform, and accountability, but we must do so with clarity, not hatred, with courage, not contempt, and with the willingness to speak the truth even when it doesn’t fit a particular narrative.

“When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

Proverbs 21:15

Let’s hold individuals accountable for their actions, but let’s also stop condemning whole groups for the failings of a few. That’s not justice. That’s injustice in another form.

To those serving honorably in law enforcement:

Thank you.

You matter. Your work matters. Despite what some may say, there are many of us who are deeply grateful.

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.

Amen.