Pastor Shocked by ICE Arrest of Iranian Christian Asylum Seekers in LA

ICE Detainment of Asylum Seekers

• 📌 Pastor Ara Torosian of Cornerstone Church in West LA recounts the detainment of Iranian Christian asylum seekers by ICE agents.
• 💡 The family, consisting of a mother, father, and 3-year-old child, attended a scheduled appointment at the immigration federal building in downtown Los Angeles.
• ⚠️ They were detained despite believing they were following the correct procedures for asylum seekers, including updating their address and following paperwork requirements.
• 💔 Torosian expressed devastation, noting the family arrived in the U.S. in October 2024 and had followed the rules, seeking religious liberty after fleeing persecution in Iran.

Asylum Process and Legal Status

• 🔍 The detained family had documents and were awaiting their court date as part of the asylum seeker process.
• 🛂 They reportedly arrived in the U.S. legally, possessing documents and work permits, and had a master hearing court date scheduled.
• ✈️ Following detainment, the family was reportedly sent to a South Texas family facility, with the husband separated from his wife and child after 8:00 p.m.

Pastor Torosian's Experience and Perspective

• ✝️ Torosian, a refugee from Iran himself, emphasizes the importance of respecting the law and following rules for immigrants and asylum seekers.
• 🗣️ He advocates for a more humane approach, highlighting that the detained individuals have no criminal background and suggesting law enforcement could use better research and background check methods.
• 🕊️ Torosian shares his personal history of persecution in Iran, including being arrested and tortured for smuggling Bibles, which triggered difficult psychological responses during the incident.
• 🙏 He calls for mercy alongside the application of law, emphasizing the Christian value of compassion for those seeking refuge.

Challenges for Iranian Refugees

• 🚫 Torosian points out the lack of legal pathways for Iranian refugees, especially Christians and minorities, to come to the U.S., unlike other nationalities who may have student or tourist visas.
• 🌍 He notes that Iran is one of the most persecuted countries for Christians, leading to a fast-growing underground church movement.
• 🇺🇸 Despite the complexities and tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Torosian expresses love for America and a desire for change in how asylum seekers are treated, advocating for a safer and more welcoming process.