BREAKING: Federal immigration agents arrested taco vendor Carlos Chavez during a food distribution event at North Hills United Methodist Church on October 12, 2023. Local religious leaders are demanding answers and denouncing the arrest, which has sent shockwaves through the community.
Chavez, a beloved figure known for his taco stand, was detained last Thursday as church members gathered for their weekly event. His wife, speaking under anonymity for her safety, revealed that Chavez was taken to Tijuana by Friday and is suffering from bronchitis. “He is not doing well,” she said, surrounded by supportive clergy.
The emotional scene was captured on cellphone video, showing immigration agents overwhelming the church property while arresting Chavez. Pastor Ervin Aguilon expressed his devastation, stating, “Carlos Chavez was not just a vendor; he was a member of our faith community. I’ve been a pastor to his family.”
Religious leaders condemned the actions of federal agents, emphasizing the role of immigrants within their congregations. “Immigrants are members of our churches. Immigrants are God’s children,” asserted Cristina Barrientos of North Hills United Methodist Church. She described the incident as “heartbreaking” and “unjust,” calling attention to the racial profiling at play.
“We will reject their violence. We will reject their intimidation, and we will reject their fear-mongering,”
stated Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice. He further criticized the labeling of immigrants as mere statistics, emphasizing their humanity in the face of systemic issues.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has noted that while immigration agents are permitted in public areas of churches, the legality of their actions remains contentious. Local clergy gathered on Monday to articulate their frustration and solidarity with Chavez’s family, asserting that the church should be a safe haven.
Authorities have been contacted for further information regarding the circumstances of Chavez’s arrest, but the Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond. As the community rallies for justice, the emotional toll of this event resonates deeply, highlighting the broader implications of immigration enforcement actions.
Community leaders are calling for urgent reforms and greater protections for immigrants, stressing that these actions only deepen the divide and fear within vulnerable populations. The situation remains fluid, and more updates are expected as this story develops.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds, and consider sharing this story to raise awareness about the growing concerns surrounding immigration enforcement in communities of faith.
