Kevin Kang, a pastor at a United Methodist church in Los Angeles, took a stand against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they targeted a taco stand next to his church and used the church parking lot to prepare for raids on Mexican food trucks. Kang, fueled by his belief in defending the vulnerable as inspired by the teachings of Jesus, led his congregation in protesting ICE activities and providing walkie-talkies to monitor ICE presence.

This incident sparked a larger movement among faith leaders in southern California, who united against workplace raids and mobilized to support undocumented immigrants. Eddie Anderson, a senior pastor, emphasized the importance of faith leaders in de-escalating tensions during demonstrations and serving as a bridge between protesters and law enforcement.

As Trump’s immigration crackdown intensified, ICE began targeting Latino parishes, leading to increased arrests and threats to sanctuary status. Churches, historically havens for vulnerable populations, are now facing challenges as the administration overturned policies limiting arrests at sensitive locations.

The widespread impact of the raids was felt in Kang’s community, where attendance at the church’s social programs dropped significantly. These events have galvanized faith leaders like Kang and Anderson to advocate for immigrant rights and challenge unjust policies, with initiatives such as rapid response plans and bail funds for detained immigrants.

The historical context of sanctuary movements in LA, dating back to the 1980s, highlights the enduring role of churches in providing refuge and resistance against anti-immigrant policies. Faith leaders continue to echo the legacy of past movements, emphasizing the need to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities and uphold the principles of compassion and justice.