ICE Raid at California Swap Meet Raises Concerns Among Churches

Federal immigration agents conducted an operation at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet in Southern California on Saturday afternoon, taking several individuals into custody. The enforcement action, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. along Alondra Boulevard near the 5 Freeway, reportedly involved approximately 60 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents accompanied by armed personnel described by witnesses as Marines. Aerial footage captured federal agents detaining multiple people at the location.

The operation has generated concern among some Southern California churches that such enforcement actions could affect attendance at religious services. According to the report, some parishes are implementing measures in response to these concerns, though specific details about these measures were not fully elaborated in the article. The immigration enforcement action occurred while visitors were at the swap meet for a Saturday night concert, which was subsequently canceled.

Witnesses reported that federal agents questioned individuals about their country of origin during the operation. One witness stated that after identifying himself as being from the United States, agents photographed him with what he described as a specialized cellphone camera, which he interpreted as threatening. The witness also mentioned having family members who had served in previous American military conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War.

The article indicates that media outlets sought information about the operation from Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, but had not received a response at the time of publication. The raid occurs within the broader context of immigration enforcement under the current administration, which has implemented various measures related to border security and immigration policy since President Trump returned to office in 2025.