Additional Coverage:
- ICE agents target SoCal church after ‘hearing Spanish speaking women in parking lot’ (irishstar.com)
Downey Residents, Faith Leaders Decry ICE Raids Near Churches
Downey, CA – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted operations near two Downey churches Wednesday, sparking outrage from city officials and faith leaders. The actions, which took place near Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Downey Memorial Christian Church, as well as a Home Depot and L.A. Fitness, involved plainclothes agents who, according to witnesses, wore face coverings, displayed police insignias, and refused to identify themselves.
Councilmember Mario Trujillo confirmed the locations of the operations. One incident involved the detention of an elderly man dropping his granddaughter off at school on church property at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
At Downey Memorial Christian Church, Pastor Alfredo Lopez reported witnessing ICE agents surround and arrest a man outside the building. Lopez and other community members confronted the agents, requesting their identification, but were met with refusal.
According to Lopez, one agent claimed the “whole country is their property.” He expressed his concern, stating that such a statement, delivered by armed agents, “stands against everything that our country stands for.”
While churches are often considered safe zones, legal experts clarify that this designation is primarily a courtesy, not a legal restriction. ICE agents can operate in public areas of churches, such as parking lots, without warrants if they have probable cause.
Witnesses described the agents as aggressive, noting some vehicles had out-of-state license plates. One witness expressed concern that agents were targeting individuals based on appearance rather than legal status.
Another reported that an agent pointed a rifle at her.
The exact number of people detained remains unclear. Downey Mayor Hector Sosa joins a growing number of Southern California mayors calling for an end to these operations, arguing they create fear and do not enhance public safety. Councilmember Trujillo echoed this sentiment, stating the raids at various locations, including places of worship, are causing “havoc and fear” rather than promoting safety.