Troops in the Streets
Tensions are high in Los Angeles, CA after U.S. President Donald Trump activated National Guard troops and Marines to restore peace after violent protests broke out in the wake of a wave of federal enforcement of immigration laws. A total of 4,000 National Guard have been authorized to deploy to the city, as well as 700 Marines. It is the first time since 1965 National Guard troops have been utilized over the objection of a state’s governor. Both California Governor Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass say the troops’ presence has an escalatory impact, while President Trump says the move is to maintain order.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Immigration law, and in particular the enforcement of it, has long been a flashpoint for division and disruption. Amid a chaotic situation, we as Jesus followers would do well to soberly consider a few sometimes-difficult truths:
First, rule of law is a biblical precept (Rom. 13:1; Tit. 3:1). This does not mean that every law of men is just, but it does challenge a current predominant theory that immigration law should simply go unenforced.
Next, much of the political drama around this story has very little to do with substance and a great deal to do with palace intrigue. It is very easy to let your view of the president or the governor or the mayor capture all or most of your attention on this story. Let’s together work to focus our energies on what is True and beautiful (Philip. 4:8) rather than on personality disputes.
Finally, we as Jesus followers should embrace a truth that doesn’t fit neatly into a political narrative. We should support the faithful enforcement of the law while seriously engaging the process of making the law as just as possible. We should also personally engage in caring for the needy among us—especially those who are “strangers in the land” (Deut. 10:19).
You should be forewarned: Embracing the approach in the paragraph above will earn you critics. When it does, remember how the life of Jesus turned so many things upside-down. Let’s together endeavor to seek a biblical approach, even when it is not a well-worn path.