Guatemalans Detained During Immigration Operation at Church

Arrests Outside a Church

Guatemalans Detained

Community on Alert

According to La Opinión, the detention of two members of a Christian church in Compton caused alarm within the religious community.

The arrests took place on Saturday, January 17, during an immigration enforcement operation.

Witnesses reported that the action was carried out suddenly and aggressively.

The detainees are two men originally from Guatemala.

Both were painting the exterior of the church when federal agents arrived.

The incident was recorded on video by people who were present at the scene.

The situation caused fear among congregants and relatives of those arrested, intensifying concerns over the immigration raid at Compton church.

The Immigration Raid at a Compton Church

The events occurred at the Christian church “El Rey Te Manda a Llamar,” located in Compton.

Images shared show one of the men being restrained outside the church.

He was later handcuffed in front of several witnesses.

Agents arrived in two trucks.

They were wearing vests identifying them as members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

In addition, the alleged federal agents were masked.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Gregory Bovino Publishes Video Amid Crisis Over Protests Against ICE

According to Pastor Cruz “Tony” Mendoza, the men were performing work related to the church’s anniversary.

“Immigration came through and treated people practically like animals,” the religious leader said.
He confirmed that agents took two individuals without providing clear explanations.

Members of the congregation repeatedly demanded to see a detention warrant.

According to witnesses, the agents did not respond to those requests.

The operation unfolded within minutes.

People present said they had no opportunity to intervene.

The Impact on a Family and the Congregation

Guatemalans Detained During Immigration Raid at Compton Church -PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Brenda Suchite Méndez, the wife of one of the detained men, expressed anguish following the arrest.

She said she does not know her husband’s whereabouts after the operation.

“It’s such a deep pain not knowing anything about him,” she said in an interview with Telemundo.
She explained that her husband is the family’s sole source of income.

She said she does not know how to face the situation alone with her children.

Brenda Méndez is the mother of six minors.

The tragedy is doubled for her.

The second man arrested is her brother.

According to her account, both men were working when federal agents arrived.

Relatives and church members joined together to request information.

They are asking to know where the two Guatemalans are being held.

So far, they have received no official responses.

Uncertainty has grown within the religious community following the immigration raid at Compton church.

Complaints of Aggressive Use of Force

Witnesses to the operation stated that the intervention was aggressive.

They claimed agents acted quickly and without dialogue.

“They didn’t ask for documents or anything,” said María Pastor, a member of the congregation.

She stated that the agents immediately handcuffed the men.

She added that they were quickly placed into the vehicles.

“They don’t give us time for anything,” she said.

Other congregants agreed that there was no opportunity to ask questions.

They were also not allowed to verify the reason for the detention.

The operation left the community in a state of shock.

Several members said they are now afraid to attend church.

The Department of Homeland Security has not issued any comments regarding the case.

So far, no official reason for the arrests has been disclosed.

The congregation reiterated its concern for the safety of its members.

It also expressed solidarity with the affected families.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues in Compton following this immigration raid at Compton church.