Predominantly Hispanic churches in Jacksonville raise concerns over ICE raids around the country

firstcoastnews.com · By Hajah Bah

“No ICE should be permitted in our sanctuaries,” Pastor Hector Rivera said. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Hispanic Church community is expressing fear and uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s executive order to carry out mass deportations. Mandarin Baptist Church pastor Hector Rivera tells First Coast News this has caused fear among his congregation who he says are predominantly Cuban and Venezuelan. He says he's never seen people this worried during his seven years leading the Baptist church. “People are in fear there, saying they are even scared to walk their dog out, and we hope this wave can cool off soon,” said Rivera. First Coast News Crime and Safety Expert Mark Baughman says regardless of what administration is in office, ICE is permitted under the law to raid “sensitive areas” like churches and Mosques without a warrant unless the individual they're looking for is inside a private room or area. “They're not going to give a church or anybody a heads-up. They're going to do their due diligence and make sure that the individual is in there at that time. Even then, they may not go; they might wait for their individual to come out and then take them into custody,” said Baughman. Baughman tells First Coast News that for ICE to raid a private area or room, they will need to prove probable cause and obtain a warrant from a judge.