In a federal courtroom in Charleston, South Carolina, 50 individuals from 27 countries proudly became U.S. citizens on Friday, marking a moment of celebration against a backdrop of national immigration strife.
Chief Judge Albert Diaz of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit delivered a poignant keynote, urging new Americans to rise to the challenges. This ceremony unfolded just days after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis heightened tensions nationwide
Ceremony Highlights Unity
Pride filled the room as the new citizens recited the Oath of Allegiance, many of whom headed straight to voter registration afterward. Judge Diaz, the court’s first Hispanic chief judge, painted a sobering picture of America’s future.
“Our country faces some formidable challenges,” he stated, invoking Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: “For evil to succeed, all it needs is for good men and women to do nothing.” His words resonated deeply, emphasizing civic duty in turbulent times.
The event contrasted sharply with unrest elsewhere. In Charleston itself, protesters rallied in Marion Square days earlier, decrying ICE operations following the Minneapolis incident.
Signs reading “No More ICE” highlighted growing local activism against federal enforcement.
National Immigration Tensions Escalate
The ceremony’s timing amplified its significance. Last week, an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis during an operation amid protests.
Federal officials, including President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, called it self-defense, claiming Good tried to run over an agent; local leaders labeled it senseless violence.
Videos showed conflicting orders to Good before shots were fired, sparking days of demonstrations and an FBI probe.
Minnesota cities remain on edge with ICE arrests fueling outrage. Similar protests hit Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, demanding an end to aggressive tactics.
Critics link the shooting to at least eight deadly ICE incidents since September 2025, amid a broader enforcement surge under the Trump administration.
Broader Context and Demographics
Immigrants comprise about 15% of U.S. residents, down from 15.8% in January 2025 due to deportations and departures.
This decline reflects policy shifts post-reelection, with naturalizations continuing despite pauses in high-risk cases.
New citizens like those in Charleston embody resilience, stepping into citizenship as headlines scream division.
Judge Diaz’s call to action underscores their role. As America grapples with enforcement clashes and debates over security versus humanity, these 50 newcomers vow to contribute.
Their oath signals hope that active participation can bridge divides, even as protests echo.