Church claims ICE violated sacred grounds by pursuing taco vendor — DHS refutes targeting the church

Church Claims Federal Agents Desecrated Grounds

Leaders at a Methodist church in California expressed that their place of worship was “desecrated” by federal immigration agents, alleging that this action infringed upon their rights to practice their faith.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement asserting that the agents did not specifically target the church, clarifying that the individuals detained in the operation were already deported in 2016.

According to local media, the church community was left “devastated” following an arrest that occurred on Thursday at North Hills United Methodist Church, located in the San Fernando Valley.

The church’s statement lamented, “With sadness and pain in our hearts, we share that our beloved church was desecrated on January 29th by immigration agents wearing masks and carrying weapons who entered our premises. Despite our requests for them to refrain from entering, they did not respect our wishes and forced their way in.”

Church leaders mentioned that this incident has led to the suspension of various ministries.

“This incident has caused significant trauma to our members and the wider community,” they added. “This was a violation of our sacred right to worship and serve our Lord Jesus Christ freely and safely.”

The church specifically highlighted the arrest of taco vendor Carlos Chavez, who is regarded as a “beloved member of the community.”

Nonprofit leaders stated that Mr. Chavez had sought refuge within the church, but officials acted without hesitation. “We noticed a second truck positioned at the church parking lot’s exit and three more operatives blocking the entrance, all dressed in tactical gear and armed,” Mayra Medina-Nunez recalled. “Their presence instilled fear in the children and families present on the sacred church grounds.”

DHS disclosed that other undocumented immigrants were also apprehended during this operation.

The statement clarified, “U.S. Border Patrol did not target the United Methodist Church or its parking lot in North Hills, California. On January 29, Border Patrol carried out an immigration enforcement operation near Layen Avenue and Sepulveda Boulevard, resulting in the arrest of Carlos Chávez Guzman, a Mexican undocumented immigrant who had been deported in 2016.” The department further emphasized that Chavez-Guzman fled from law enforcement, which is considered a federal crime, leading to a foot chase before his arrest.