Immigration Raid at L.A. Church: Community Outrage Over Arrest During Food Giveaway

Church Raid and Community Outrage

• 💔 Church leaders and community members are denouncing the actions of federal immigration agents who entered the North Hills United Methodist Church parking lot during a food distribution event.
• 🚨 Agents, described as wearing masks, tactical gear, and carrying large firearms, chased and arrested a man, Carlos Chavez, on church grounds.
• 😥 The incident occurred during a food giveaway, terrorizing children and families present, and causing significant emotional distress to church leaders.

Disruption of Church Ministries

• 🚫 The food ministry, child care, and after-school programs at the church were interrupted by the raid.
• 💻 Due to fear within the community, these essential services have since been moved online.

Arrested Individual and Family Impact

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Carlos Chavez, described as a beloved community member, taco vendor, and father of three, was taken into federal custody.
• ✈️ Church leaders were informed that Chavez has since been deported to Mexico.
• 💸 The church is supporting Chavez's children as he was the sole provider for his household.

Concerns Over Sacred Grounds

• ⚠️ A plea was made by witnesses stating that the agents were entering private property where children and women were present.
• 🔒 The agents did not hesitate to use large firearms, even as shouts indicated the presence of vulnerable individuals on what was considered holy ground.