The death of Renee Good during a federal enforcement operation is a terrible tragedy. It is also the predictable result of political dysfunction, polarization, and irresponsible leadership that has turned governance into theater and conflict into strategy.

The President continues to make brazenly antagonistic and defamatory statements against whole communities that disregard any respect for humanity, making it too easy to whip protesters into a frenzy by opposing political leaders, the media and activists who profit from violent escalation with law enforcement personnel. Politicians supporting sanctuary policies make no distinction between violent gang members and criminals versus migrants who work and try to assimilate, making it too easy to justify the harsh actions of large-scale ICE raids. No wonder political polarization continues to spiral out of control.

This is not a moment for rushing to judgment or performative outrage. Guilt or innocence must be determined through due process, not street verdicts or media narratives. If tragedies like this are to be prevented, our political leaders must call for calm and restraint—not imply there is a “duty” to protest in ways that endanger lives or nullify the constitution and our laws. If you don’t like what is happening, then it’s your duty to speak up peacefully, vote responsibly, and respect the result.