Taco vendor and church congregant detained during ICE raid on Los Angeles church during food giveaway
Jan 29, 2026 · North Hills, CA, Mexico
Carlos Chavez, a taco vendor and congregant at North Hills United Methodist Church in Los Angeles who helps with children's ministries, was detained by ICE agents on January 29 during a raid on the church grounds. The raid occurred while the church was conducting a food distribution ministry and hosting an event for mothers and children in the garden. According to church officials, agents forced their way onto the property despite being asked not to enter, carrying weapons and wearing masks, disrupting childcare and after-school programs and forcing attendees to shelter in a secure room for more than four hours. Chavez requested medical treatment for a respiratory illness while in detention, but his request was denied. He was subsequently deported to Mexico after signing a self-deportation order. The raid followed a 2025 policy change that rescinded the long-standing federal "sensitive locations" policy protecting houses of worship, and religious organizations have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the policy.
Timeline
Sources
More incidents in California
- Rideshare driver detained at Camp Pendleton gate despite valid work permitAug 23, 2026 · Oceanside, CA
- Mexican father arrested by ICE during morning walk in Redondo BeachAug 22, 2026 · Redondo Beach, CA
- Man deported to Mexico after 30 years in the US finds refuge in 'Little LA'Aug 21, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA
- Oceanside man killed in Tijuana months after ICE deportationAug 21, 2026 · Oceanside, CA
- ICE says San Diego County blocked agents from routine training facilitiesAug 20, 2026 · San Diego, CA
- Bangladeshi woman denied medication in ICE custody, now pushes for reform billAug 20, 2026 · California City, CA