BREAKING: Local religious leaders are urgently condemning the arrest of taco vendor Carlos Chavez, who was taken by federal immigration agents at the North Hills United Methodist Church during a food distribution event last Thursday. Chavez, a well-known community figure, was detained and subsequently transported to Tijuana by Friday, raising serious concerns among his family and local clergy.
Witnesses reported that agents swarmed the church property, capturing the incident on cellphone videos that show the chaotic scene unfolding during the weekly community event. Chavez’s wife, who spoke out while flanked by clergy members, revealed that her husband suffers from bronchitis and is currently in poor health.
Pastor Ervin Aguilon expressed deep emotional distress over the incident, emphasizing that Chavez is not just a vendor but a vital member of the faith community. “Carlos Chavez was not just a taquero. He was and is a member of a faith community,” Aguilon stated. “He has been helping all he can with our children’s ministries.”
Clergy members gathered on Monday to denounce the actions of immigration agents, with Cristina Barrientos of North Hills United Methodist Church stating, “It is not only heartbreaking but wrong and unjust to see people be racially profiled.” She highlighted the moral obligation to protect immigrants, whom she described as “God’s children.”
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), immigration agents are permitted to operate in public areas of a church but face restrictions in private spaces. Despite this legal framework, leaders expressed frustration over the perceived targeting of vulnerable individuals within their community.
Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice voiced a strong rejection of the tactics used during the arrest. “We will reject their violence. We will reject their intimidation, and we will reject their fear-mongering,” he asserted, calling for solidarity within the faith community.
As the situation unfolds, Eyewitness News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further details on Chavez’s arrest but has yet to receive a response. The congregation and community members are seeking answers and mobilizing to support Chavez’s family during this challenging time.
Authorities emphasize the importance of understanding the legalities surrounding such arrests, but the emotional toll on families like Chavez’s underscores the human impact of immigration enforcement. The community stands united in their call for justice and the protection of their members.
Further developments are anticipated as local leaders and concerned citizens continue to advocate for Chavez and all immigrants facing similar circumstances. This situation remains urgent and calls for immediate attention from the public and policymakers alike.
