Iranian Pastor Speaks Out as West L.A. Church Faces Immigration Raids

Key Takeaways

• On June 24, 2025, ICE detained at least five members of the Iranian congregation at Cornerstone Church.
• The DHS lifted restrictions on ICE arrests in sensitive locations like churches in January 2025.
• Recent Los Angeles raids have caused fear, trauma, and canceled church services in immigrant communities.

On June 24, 2025, a quiet Tuesday morning at Cornerstone Church in West Los Angeles turned into a scene of fear and confusion. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrived at the church, detaining several members of the Iranian Christian congregation. Pastor Ara Tororsian, who leads the church, watched as his community was shaken by the sudden immigration raid. The event not only disrupted the lives of those directly involved but also sent shockwaves through immigrant communities and houses of worship across the city.

This incident is part of a wider trend of increased immigration enforcement in Los Angeles and other parts of the United States 🇺🇸, especially after recent policy changes. The story of Cornerstone Church, Pastor Ara Tororsian, and the people affected by the raid highlights the real-life impact of these policies and raises important questions about the future of sanctuary spaces and the rights of immigrants.

What Happened at Cornerstone Church?

On the morning of June 24, ICE agents entered Cornerstone Church, a place that many Iranian immigrants consider a safe haven. At least five members of the congregation were detained during the immigration raid. Among them was a couple seeking asylum after fleeing religious persecution in Iran. The wife, overwhelmed by fear after seeing her husband arrested, suffered a severe panic attack that escalated into convulsions. She called Pastor Ara Tororsian for help, but there was little he could do as the situation unfolded.

Pastor Tororsian later described the scene as deeply traumatic, comparing it to the fear and oppression he experienced while growing up in Tehran. He said, “It felt like the old days in Iran, when you never knew if you would be safe at home or in church.” Because of the fear and trauma caused by the raid, Pastor Tororsian made the difficult decision to cancel church services for the time being, hoping to protect his congregation from further harm.

Why Did This Happen? Policy Changes and Sensitive Locations

The raid at Cornerstone Church did not happen in isolation. It is part of a broader pattern of increased immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles and other cities since early 2025. In January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under President Trump lifted a policy that had previously restricted ICE from making arrests in “sensitive locations” such as churches, hospitals, and schools. This policy had been in place to protect vulnerable people and ensure that everyone could access essential services without fear of arrest.

With the restriction lifted, ICE agents now have the authority to conduct raids in places that were once considered sanctuaries. As a result, more churches like Cornerstone have become targets for immigration enforcement. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this change has led to a noticeable increase in fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, especially those who rely on churches for support and safety.

The Human Cost: Trauma and Disruption

The effects of the immigration raid at Cornerstone Church go far beyond the immediate arrests. For many in the congregation, the church is not just a place of worship—it is a community center, a source of comfort, and a symbol of hope. The raid shattered this sense of safety.

• Emotional Impact: Witnessing friends and family members being detained can cause deep emotional scars. The panic attack suffered by the Iranian woman during the raid is just one example of the trauma experienced by those caught up in these actions.
• Disrupted Community Life: With church services canceled, members lose access to spiritual support, social connections, and practical help. This isolation can make it even harder for immigrants to cope with the challenges they face.
• Legal and Social Uncertainty: Many of those detained are asylum seekers or undocumented immigrants. The fear of deportation, separation from loved ones, and uncertainty about the future adds to the stress and anxiety in the community.

A Pattern of Increased Enforcement in Los Angeles

The raid at Cornerstone Church is not an isolated event. Since the start of 2025, Los Angeles has seen a series of high-profile immigration raids:

• June 6, 2025: ICE and other federal agencies conducted raids in the Fashion District and Westlake area, resulting in the arrest of 44 people. These actions sparked large protests, with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declaring unlawful assemblies and using tear gas to disperse crowds.
• Early June 2025: The Los Angeles Diocese reported that 14 church members were detained in immigration raids, leading to significant protests and public outcry.

These events have created a climate of fear and tension in the city, especially among immigrant communities and faith-based organizations.

How Do Immigration Raids Work? A Step-by-Step Look

Understanding how immigration raids are carried out can help people know what to expect and how to respond. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Identification: ICE agents identify individuals suspected of immigration violations, often based on tips, investigations, or records.
2. Planning: Agents plan coordinated raids at targeted locations, which can include workplaces, homes, and now, increasingly, places of worship like Cornerstone Church.
3. Execution: Agents arrive at the location, detain individuals on-site, and may take them into custody for further processing.
4. Medical Emergencies: If someone experiences a medical emergency during the raid, emergency responders may be called, but support can be limited.
5. Detention: Detainees are transported to detention centers, where they await immigration proceedings.
6. Community Response: After the raid, community members, advocates, and legal groups often organize protests, provide legal support, and help families affected by the detentions.

For more information on ICE’s enforcement actions and policies, readers can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Stakeholders: Who Is Involved and What Are Their Views?

The immigration raid at Cornerstone Church brought together a range of stakeholders, each with their own perspectives and concerns.

Pastor Ara Tororsian and Cornerstone Church

Pastor Ara Tororsian has become a vocal advocate for his congregation, speaking out about the trauma caused by the raid. He emphasizes that the fear experienced by his community is similar to the oppression many faced in Iran. By canceling church services, he hopes to protect his members from further harm, but he also worries about the long-term effects on their faith and well-being.

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security

ICE and DHS officials argue that enforcing immigration laws is necessary for national security and legal compliance. With the lifting of restrictions on sensitive locations, they now have more freedom to carry out raids wherever they believe violations are occurring. However, this approach has drawn criticism from many quarters, especially when it affects vulnerable populations.

Local Authorities and Protesters

The LAPD has been involved in managing the protests that often follow immigration raids. These protests can become heated, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The use of tear gas and other crowd control measures has raised concerns about the right to protest and the treatment of immigrant communities.

Advocacy Groups

Organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) play a key role in supporting immigrants affected by raids. Angelica Salas, CHIRLA’s director, has highlighted the scale of recent raids and called for stronger protections for immigrants and sanctuary spaces. These groups provide legal aid, organize protests, and work to raise public awareness about the human impact of immigration enforcement.

California State Officials

Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly opposed the federal government’s use of Marines and National Guard troops to enforce immigration raids in California. This reflects ongoing political tensions between state and federal authorities over how immigration laws should be enforced and what role local governments should play in protecting immigrant communities.

The Numbers: Recent Raids and Their Impact

• June 6, 2025: 44 people arrested in raids in the Fashion District and Westlake area.
• Early June 2025: 14 church members detained in immigration raids, according to the Los Angeles Diocese.
• June 24, 2025: At least five members of Cornerstone Church’s Iranian congregation detained during the immigration raid.

These numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each statistic is a person, a family, and a community affected by the enforcement actions.

Policy Implications: What Has Changed and Why It Matters

The decision by DHS to lift restrictions on ICE arrests in sensitive locations has had far-reaching consequences. Previously, churches, hospitals, and schools were considered off-limits for immigration enforcement, allowing people to seek help and support without fear. Now, with these protections gone, many immigrants feel unsafe even in places that once offered sanctuary.

• Increased Fear: Immigrants may avoid seeking medical care, attending school, or participating in religious services out of fear of being detained.
• Disrupted Support Networks: Churches and other community organizations struggle to provide support when their members are at risk of arrest.
• Legal Challenges: As more people are detained, the demand for legal aid and support grows, putting pressure on advocacy groups and legal services.

Multiple Perspectives: The Debate Over Immigration Raids

The issue of immigration raids, especially in sensitive locations, is deeply divisive.

• Advocates for Immigrants: Many argue that raids in churches violate the sanctity of religious spaces and undermine trust in the community. They believe that everyone should have access to spiritual, medical, and educational support without fear of arrest.
• Law Enforcement: ICE and DHS maintain that they are simply enforcing the law and that no location should be off-limits if someone is suspected of breaking immigration rules.
• Religious Leaders: Pastors and other faith leaders worry that the erosion of sanctuary protections will drive people away from churches and weaken the support networks that help immigrants survive and thrive.
• Political Leaders: The debate often falls along political lines, with some supporting strict enforcement and others calling for more humane policies and protections for immigrants.

The Future: What Comes Next?

With the current administration’s policies in place, it is likely that immigration raids at churches and other sensitive locations will continue, unless new laws or policies are introduced to restore protections. Community leaders, religious organizations, and advocacy groups are expected to keep pushing for change, both through protests and legal action.

Possible developments in the coming months include:

• Continued Protests: As more raids occur, public demonstrations and calls for reform are likely to grow.
• Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups may challenge the new enforcement policies in court, arguing that they violate constitutional rights or religious freedoms.
• Policy Debates: Local and state governments may try to pass new laws or regulations to limit the impact of federal enforcement actions.

What Can Affected Individuals and Communities Do?

If you or someone you know is affected by an immigration raid, there are steps you can take:

• Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights. For example, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer.
• Seek Legal Help: Organizations like CHIRLA and local legal aid groups can provide advice and representation.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration policy and enforcement practices by visiting official sources like the Department of Homeland Security.
• Build Support Networks: Connect with community organizations, faith groups, and advocacy groups for support and information.

Resources and Support

• ICE Los Angeles Field Office: For information about enforcement actions and detained individuals.
• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA): Offers legal support and advocacy for immigrants.
• Los Angeles Diocese: Provides information and support for church members affected by immigration issues.
• Cornerstone Church, West Los Angeles: Led by Pastor Ara Tororsian, offers support to its congregation and the wider community.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Official updates on immigration enforcement and policy.

Conclusion: A Community in Crisis, A City at a Crossroads

The immigration raid at Cornerstone Church in West Los Angeles is a powerful reminder of the real-life impact of immigration policy changes. For Pastor Ara Tororsian and his congregation, the trauma of the raid is a painful echo of the persecution many faced in Iran. As more churches and community spaces become targets for enforcement, the sense of safety and belonging that these places provide is under threat.

The debate over immigration raids, especially in sensitive locations, is far from settled. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the lifting of protections for churches and other sanctuaries has created new challenges for immigrants, faith leaders, and advocates. The future will depend on the actions of policymakers, community leaders, and the people most affected by these changes.

For now, the story of Cornerstone Church stands as a call to action for those who believe in the importance of sanctuary, compassion, and justice for all.

Learn Today

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws, responsible for detaining individuals suspected of immigration violations.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal department overseeing national security, including immigration enforcement policies and procedures.
Sensitive Locations → Places like churches, hospitals, and schools previously protected from ICE arrests under federal policy.
Asylum Seekers → Individuals fleeing persecution, seeking legal protection and refuge in another country.
Sanctuary Spaces → Locations traditionally considered safe and protected from immigration enforcement actions.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE agents raided Cornerstone Church in West Los Angeles on June 24, 2025, detaining several Iranian immigrants. These raids follow DHS policy changes removing protections for sensitive locations, disrupting immigrant communities and faith-based support networks, and causing significant trauma and fear among vulnerable populations reliant on sanctuary spaces.
— By VisaVerge.com