ICE Agents Storm Los Angeles Church Grounds During Food Bank Operation
Federal immigration enforcement agents have been accused of causing "terror" and violating sacred space after forcibly entering a Los Angeles area church during a community food ministry event. The controversial operation at North Hills United Methodist Church resulted in the arrest of a volunteer who has since been deported to Mexico, according to church officials and immigration authorities.
Church Describes "Desecration" by Masked Agents
Church leaders have detailed what they describe as a traumatic violation of their sanctuary on January 29th. "With sadness and pain in our hearts, we want to share that our Beloved Church was desecrated by immigration agents who entered our property wearing masks and carrying weapons," the church stated in a Facebook post. "Despite being asked not to enter, they did not respect our request and forced their way in."
The incident occurred during multiple ministries serving vulnerable community members:
- A food distribution program providing meals to families
- A church garden activity involving mothers and young children
- Various community support services operating simultaneously
Church officials reported that agents "ran throughout the church property among families, children and elderly people" while ministries were forced to halt operations immediately.
Arrest of "Beloved Community Member"
The target of the enforcement action was identified as Carlos Chavez, described by the church as a "beloved community member" volunteering at the food bank. According to eyewitness accounts from Mayra Medina-Núñez of The Refugee Children Center, Chavez attempted to seek refuge on church property as agents pursued him.
"The agents did not hesitate to chase him, holding large firearms even as someone shouted that they were entering private property and that children, women and elders were present," Medina-Núñez told local media. She described how a truck and several fully masked agents positioned themselves at the church's parking lot exit, creating what she called a terrifying atmosphere for families on "sacred church grounds."
Contrasting Accounts from Authorities
Homeland Security Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin provided a starkly different perspective in a statement to media outlets. "Agents did NOT target United Methodist Church or its parking lot in North Hills, California," McLaughlin asserted, describing the activity as part of a routine immigration enforcement operation in the area.
McLaughlin identified Chavez as "an illegal alien from Mexico who was previously removed from this country in 2016" and emphasized that he "chose to run from law enforcement, a federal crime, leading them on a foot chase before his arrest."
The operation resulted in three arrests total, with all individuals described as "illegal aliens from Mexico" who will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
Community Trauma and Disrupted Ministries
Pastor Ervin Adin of North Hills United Methodist Church condemned what he called "ICE's senseless actions" that disrupted vital community services. "Our food ministry is an expression of God's love for the hungry and because of ICE's senseless actions, we were forced to stop," Aguilon stated in a press release.
The interruption extended beyond the food distribution:
- Mothers, young children and youths participating in church garden activities had to be sheltered in a secure room for over four hours
- Multiple community ministries serving vulnerable populations were abruptly halted
- Children witnessed distressing scenes of fear and confusion among adults
"Imagine being a child and seeing your mother scared, crying and wondering what's going on and having to confine yourself to a small room for hours," Aguilon added, highlighting the psychological impact on young community members.
Video Evidence and Aftermath
Video footage shared by the church shows two agents chasing a man through the parking lot as onlookers protest their presence. "This is a church campus. You're not welcome here," someone can be heard telling agents as they escort Chavez away.
The visual evidence shows:
- Masked agents grabbing Chavez near his shoulders
- Multiple armed personnel on church grounds
- Community members visibly distressed during the operation
According to church officials, Chavez's wife confirmed he had already been deported to Mexico following the arrest. Homeland Security's statement included information about the CBP Home App and an offer of $2,600 plus a free flight for self-deportation, while warning that those who don't comply "will be arrested and deported without a chance to return."
The incident has sparked broader questions about enforcement practices in sensitive community spaces and the balance between immigration control and community safety in Los Angeles.
