A local Methodist church in California has accused federal immigration agents of desecrating its property and violating its right to worship after agents forcibly entered the grounds on January 29, according to a statement from the North Hills United Methodist Church.
The church stated that agents wore masks and carried weapons, disregarded requests not to enter, and forced their way into the sanctuary despite being explicitly asked to leave. “This was a violation of our Sacred Right to Worship and Serve our Lord Jesus Christ Freely and Safely,” the church said in its announcement.
Church officials reported that Carlos Chavez, a taco vendor described as a “beloved community member,” was arrested during the incident. Federal authorities confirmed that Chavez had been previously deported from the U.S. in 2016. A nonprofit leader noted that agents arrived with tactical gear and large firearms, positioning themselves at the church parking lot exit with three additional agents blocking the entrance, which caused fear among children and families on sacred grounds.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement clarifying that operations did not target the church. “U.S. Border Patrol did NOT target United Methodist Church or its parking lot in North Hills, California,” the DHS stated. The department also confirmed that on January 29, Border Patrol conducted an immigration enforcement operation near Rayen Street and Sepulveda Boulevard resulting in the arrest of Carlos Chavez-Guzman, who had been removed from the U.S. in 2016.
