Armed federal agents raid church during community service event, sparking outrage

Federal agents raided a church during a community service event, sparking widespread criticism from both local and religious communities. The incident has raised serious concerns about the scope and methods of immigration enforcement.

According to North Hills United Methodist Church in the San Fernando Valley, federal agents entered church property on January 29 during a food sharing event. They arrested Carlos Chavez, a church member and taco vendor. At the time, children, parents, and seniors were lined up in the church yard. Additionally, after-school programs and care activities were underway.

Church officials stated that “agents entered the church with covered faces and weapons, crossing through children and families to arrest Chavez.” Moreover, some attendees fled to safe spaces and waited for over four hours. Consequently, the house of God became a place of fear.

Pastor Ervin Adin Aguilon, the church’s senior pastor, held a press conference on February 2. He declared that “the sacred right to worship and serve has been violated.” Furthermore, he described how “children were crying and parents were terrified.”

Mayra Medina-Nuñez, director of the Refugee Children Center, a nonprofit supporting refugee children, was present at the scene. She noted that “armed agents blocked church entrances.” She added that “it’s hard to believe this happened in a sacred space.”

In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated they “did not target the church or parking lot.” Rather, they explained that “Chavez fled to avoid arrest, which led to the chase.” DHS clarified that Chavez “had a prior deportation record and was in the country illegally.”

Local religious leaders expressed deep concerns. Pastor Sam Shin of Sam Community Church emphasized that “churches are spaces where anyone can come, regardless of status.” He continued, “people who are weary and struggling come here for prayer and comfort. Therefore, making such spaces targets for enforcement is difficult for the community to accept.”

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles designated February 4 as a “Day of Prayer for Peace” for immigrants affected by immigration enforcement. A special mass will be held at 12:10 p.m. Archbishop José Gomez stated that “in times of fear and division, the church must stand with those who suffer.”

Meanwhile, Democratic federal lawmakers announced that the DHS Inspector General is conducting an official investigation into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s use of force and response procedures.

In addition, the administration is adjusting enforcement methods in some areas. In Minneapolis, where two citizens died from federal agent gunfire, all ICE and Border Patrol (BP) agents must now wear body cameras during enforcement operations.

BY HANKIL KANG   [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]