Did This Pastor Interfere with an ICE Arrest?
A Downey pastor confronted ICE agents during an arrest in a church parking lot. Was it biblical? Legal? A breakdown of the facts and Scripture.
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Here are the key takeaways from this video:
In Downey, California, a man on a bicycle was arrested in the parking lot of Downey Memorial Christian Church by federal agents. Most of the officers involved were ICE agents, but notably, one agent was wearing body armor marked BORTAC, indicating the presence of Border Patrol’s elite tactical unit.
Video shows the church pastor and several members confronting the agents, demanding to know who they were and stating they did not “consent” to the arrest taking place on church property. Despite repeated instructions to back away, church members remained vocal and physically close during the arrest.
While the incident is being characterized by some as a raid on a church, the reality is more straightforward: this was a federal arrest that happened to occur in a church parking lot. The church building itself was not entered, and no service was disrupted.
Why the Presence of a BORTAC Agent Matters
Most people don’t recognize tactical indicators, but the involvement of even a single BORTAC agent speaks volumes. BORTAC (Border Patrol Tactical Unit) is only called up for high-risk operations—including suspects with violent criminal pasts, cartel links, or significant flight risks.
Tactical insight:
The presence of a BORTAC agent, even among standard ICE personnel, suggests that this suspect was not just an overstayer or routine detainee. This was a planned, controlled operation with clear risk factors involved.
The Legal Boundary Almost Crossed
Church members believed they were standing up for someone in distress. But California law doesn’t hinge on emotion. Under Penal Code §405a, the term lynching is legally defined as:
“The taking by means of a riot of any person from the lawful custody of any peace officer.”
This statute doesn’t require physical violence—just group interference in an arrest. If even one person had tried to pull the suspect away, the situation could have escalated into a felony crime.
Legal takeaway:
Good intentions don’t override legal definitions. Christians must understand when their actions cross from compassion into obstruction.
Why Criminals Seek Church Grounds
This wasn’t random. Criminals sometimes move toward church properties because:
They're public-access spaces,
They expect intervention or sympathy, and
They know many people won’t question their presence.
Church safety tip:
A church parking lot can become a liability if your team isn’t trained to recognize when it’s being used as cover.
A Biblical Look at Authority and Obedience
This isn’t just a matter of law—it’s a matter of Scripture. Let’s look closely at Romans 13:1–7:
Romans 13:1–7 (ESV)
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad…
4 …he is God’s servant for your good…
5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience…
7 Pay to all what is owed to them… respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.Biblical takeaway:
Christians are called to respect and submit to lawful authority unless asked to sin. Interfering with a lawful arrest—especially without knowing the full facts—is not just unwise. It is unbiblical.
Additional Verses for Clarity
1 Peter 2:13–14 (ESV):
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution…”
➤ Submission to authority is for God's glory, not man’s approval.Titus 3:1 (ESV):
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities…”
➤ Pastors are instructed to teach this—interference contradicts that call.Proverbs 28:4 (ESV):
“Those who forsake the law praise the wicked…”
➤ Intervening for someone you don’t know could empower evil.
A Word to Pastors and Church Leaders
If you're a pastor, elder, or team leader, this is your reminder: your role is to shepherd the flock, not to shield fugitives. You may feel moved to help—but biblical help must align with truth, law, and God’s order.
The proper time to intervene is after the arrest, through legal advocacy, not street-level interference.
Final Word
This situation should serve as a warning—not just to the church in Downey, but to every church in America. The emotional urge to “step in” must be tempered by discernment. If you don’t know the background of the suspect, don’t assume the worst about the agents.
Stand firm in the Word.
Know the law.
Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. - 1 Timothy 2
This is (of course) speaking to the Church (the body of Jesus-Believers). These verses apply to this particular "church" organization/building as well. If you "disagree" with Scripture, take it to God in prayer. You cannot pick and choose the Scriptures you like or dislike! SENIOR Pastor? Yikes...! Un-Biblical...
Woman, your arms are way too short to box with God! You MEN... same goes for us!
Yes, that "Pastor" did interfere with a lawful law enforcement action.
His actions were unbiblical and bring discredit upon the Body of Christ as a whole.
As mentioned, the proper course of action would have been to wait until the event was concluded and then follow-up with legal intervention, if warranted.