For he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. (Proverbs 2:8 NIV)
I came across a news story today that really shocked me—it was so outrageous, I initially thought it had to be a bad joke. But it wasn’t. According to multiple news sources, Mexican gangs and cartels are now offering up to $50,000 to anyone willing to assassinate an ICE agent.
“Federal law enforcement believes bounties placed on the heads of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeping the streets of Chicago originated in Mexico and that local gangs are actively trying to carry out the assassinations.
“The Department of Homeland Security shared internal information from the Drug Enforcement Administration with the Washington Examiner on Thursday afternoon, stating how gangs in Chicago’s southwest neighborhoods were offered bounties between $5,000 and $50,000 for each ICE employee assassination.” *
I’m not sure there’s much more I need to say about this, except to call us to prayer for all law enforcement personnel.
God,
You are our refuge, our protector, our strong tower. You are our shield, our hope, and our redeemer.
Today, we lift up in prayer all those serving in law enforcement—regardless of their role or location. From the smallest town sheriff to those serving at the highest levels of federal government, we ask that you appoint men and women who are honorable, law-abiding, trustworthy, and wise.
We pray that every officer will faithfully support and defend the Constitution of the United States and their respective state. May they bear true faith and allegiance to those duties, and carry them out with diligence and integrity.
May they serve and protect their communities to the best of their ability, uphold the law with fairness and impartiality, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all people.
We also lift up their spouses, children, parents, and all loved ones. Give them strength, discernment, patience, and peace as they support those who serve.
We ask for your divine protection over these officers. May your angel armies surround them as they fulfill their lawful duties. Let your angels encamp around them, guarding and delivering them from every evil.
And finally, we pray that through their faithful service, we may live peaceful and quiet lives—lives that are godly and dignified in every way. We ask this in the strong name of Christ, AMEN.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1–2 NIV)
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7 ESV)
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11 NIV)
No weapon formed against you shall prosper… (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV)
*https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/crime/3844197/bounties-assassinate-ice-chicago-came-from-mexico/
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of [State],
that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God.” (sample law enforcement oath of office)
“I will serve and protect the community to the best of my ability,
uphold the law with integrity and impartiality,
and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all people.” (from police oath)