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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 The raid followed a 2025 policy change that rescinded the long-standing federal "sensitive locations" policy protecting houses of worship, and religious organizations have filed a lawsuit challenging the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

Jan 29, 2026ICE agents raided North Hills United Methodist Church, detaining Carlos Chavez during a food giveaway event for mothers and children; agents forced entry despite being asked not to enter, disrupted programs, and forced attendees to shelter for over four hours
Jan 29, 2026Chavez requested medical treatment for respiratory illness while in detention; request was denied
Jan 29, 2026Chavez was deported to Mexico after signing a self-deportation order
2025Federal policy change rescinded long-standing "sensitive locations" policy protecting houses of worship from immigration enforcement

Sources

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