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Our ancient Israelites ancestors did not invent the idea of a code of law. Archeologists and historians have uncovered systems of laws adopted by other ancient Near Eastern civilizations. But our Torah portion this week contains perhaps the most famous expression of a basic set of laws – the Ten Commandments. Immortalized in texts, paintings, statues, films, and more, the Ten Commandments are fundamental to Judaism and broader society.

Interestingly, our rabbinic sages believed that there was a system of law even before the Ten Commandments were given. In their teachings, they derive from the story of Noah a set of precepts known as the Noahide laws. These include prohibitions against idolatry, murder, theft, and adultery. They also mandate the establishment of courts of justice and obedience to the rule of law.

America’s founders knew this legacy in creating our system of governance. They included an independent judiciary, separate from the executive and legislative branches, to administer justice in the cases that were brought for judgement. They embedded into society the notion that the rule of law is supreme and that a court’s rulings were to be followed.

It is therefore rather upsetting to read about the legal turmoil that is part of the ICE crackdown in Minnesota. Apparently, ICE has been defying court orders in unprecedented magnitude. Judge Patrick Schlitz, the chief judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, has identified 96 court orders that ICE has violated in 74 cases. In a recently ruling, he writes, “ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.” This defiance of the rule of law is fundamentally unjust.

Judge Schlitz writes, “ICE is not a law unto itself.” It must follow the laws of the land.

It has been clear for many years that the American system of immigration needs reforms to make it work better. It has been clear for many months that the current bout of immigration

enforcement efforts must be reined in to prevent the abuses, injustices, and violence that we have seen. The rule of law is a fundamental basis for both.

The Torah teaches “There shall be one law for the citizen and for the stranger that dwells among you” (Exodus 12:39). On this Shabbat when we read the Ten Commandments as a basis for ourmor l code, let us work to ensure that everyone abides by the rule of law and that the law is applied equally, fairly, and justly for all.

Shabbat Shalom