ICE Enters Church, Arrests a Mexican Man, and Issues Threats

ICE carries out raid during a church event

Church reports fear and threats against families

Activists point to abuse and double standards

A Christian church in Los Angeles reported that agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) burst into a religious event and threatened those present, according to the EFE.

The operation took place on January 26 at the Hills United Methodist Church Hispanic Mission, during a food distribution event and activities involving children.

According to the complaint, at least one Mexican citizen was detained and later deported.

The incident was captured on video and has triggered a wave of criticism, intensifying debate around the ICE church raid in Los Angeles.

ICE Enters Church During Immigration Operation

“Our sacred place was violated,” said Pastor Ervin Adin Aguilón during a press conference.

He explained that the action forced the suspension of the church’s food ministry.

During the Trump era, immigration agents entered a church to detain a Mexican man in Los Angeles, California. https://t.co/fILTleNt4D

— Joaquín López-Dóriga (@lopezdoriga) February 3, 2026

Aguilón insisted that it was a “religious act,” protected even under biblical principles.

Video footage shows armed agents with covered faces blocking entrances.

Fear, Lockdown, and Terrified Children

Carlos Chávez, a member of the community, was chased and arrested in the church parking lot.

The operation forced dozens of people to take shelter inside the temple for hours.

ICE Church Raid in Los Angeles Ends in Arrest – PHOTO: EFE

“Imagine being a child and seeing your mother crying,” the pastor said.

The scenes sparked fear and outrage among parishioners, further amplifying concerns over the ICE church raid in Los Angeles.

Community Accusations of Illegality and Double Standards

Guillermo Torres, a representative of CLUE, described the operation as “cruel” and illegal.

He noted that this was not the first time ICE has entered churches without authorization.

Activists pointed to a “double standard” by the federal government regarding protests and enforcement actions inside places of worship.

The case has reignited the debate over whether faith spaces should be treated as sanctuaries.

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Authorities Remain Silent on Arrest of Mexican Migrant

The Department of Homeland Security has not issued a statement.

Aguilón emphasized that churches must continue to be safe spaces.

“It made us question how far our country has gone,” he concluded.

The incident adds to a growing list of complaints against aggressive immigration enforcement operations, keeping the ICE church raid in Los Angeles at the center of national attention.