ICE Arrests Church Member at Los Angeles Food Distribution Event
Federal immigration agents recently arrested a man during a food distribution event at a Methodist church in Los Angeles. This incident raised significant concerns among church leaders and community members about the appropriateness of such actions in a sacred environment.
ICE Arrests Church Member During Food Distribution Event
Last Thursday, during a community food ministry at the North Hills United Methodist Church Hispanic Mission, ICE agents apprehended Carlos Chavez, a valued member of the church. Pastor Ervin Aguilon stated that the arrest took place in front of children and other churchgoers who were there to help feed those in need.
Details of the Incident
- Location: North Hills United Methodist Church, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles
- Event Time: Last Thursday
- Involved Individual: Carlos Chavez
- Duration of Shelter-in-Place: Four hours
Witnesses reported that armed agents entered the church’s parking lot while apprehending Chavez, leading to a premature end of the food distribution event. Church officials stated that the presence of the agents caused distress within the community.
Official Reactions
Pastor Aguilon described the church’s parking lot as a holy ground, emphasizing the violation of safety that such a raid represented. He expressed deep concern for the impact this event would have on the community.
In a statement, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, clarified that Chavez was identified as an unauthorized immigrant with a previous removal from the U.S. in 2016. McLaughlin insisted that the operation was not targeted at the church but at a broader area where Chavez was pursued following a foot chase.
Community Impact
Rev. Dr. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, the Resident Bishop of the Los Angeles Area of The United Methodist Church, condemned the presence of armed agents in a setting meant for community service. She stressed that churches are spaces of safety and should not be subjected to such aggressive enforcement tactics.
As of now, the whereabouts of Carlos Chavez remain unclear, along with the specifics of any charges he may be facing. This event has sparked a larger conversation about immigration enforcement practices in sensitive community areas.
