The Department of Homeland Security’s use of Bible verses, such as “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah), in immigration enforcement videos sparked controversy. Critics argue this practice constitutes a profound misuse of scripture, weaponizing religious language to validate aggressive enforcement measures. By equating ICE service with a divine calling, the videos appropriate sacred text to frame agents as “righteous” heroes. This interpretation deliberately ignores the Bible’s pervasive mandate for hospitality, mercy, and justice for the stranger. The selective quoting creates a stark disconnect between ICE’s mission and the faith it attempts to invoke, turning spiritual language into political propaganda to recruit agents and consolidate public support. The bible has been spuriously used time and again to silence women, justify racism, and cause suffering to LGBTQ people. This is an old tactic used to justify hatred and harm, and the Queer God Squad denounces it strongly.
