Why Los Angeles Needs More Love After ICE Departure
I visited West Angeles Church of God in Christ, my own church family since 2001, before the Twin Towers in New York were destroyed. I was working in the Hollywood Hills at a real estate company out of their home. My co-workers and I were talking previously, and I told them I was looking for a church to attend.
One of my co-workers visited West Angeles before and suggested that I might like the church services there. Within a month, I attended West Angeles Church of God in Christ. As soon as I walked in through the double doors, and I looked at the altar where Bishop Blake was preaching, I knew this was my church home. I knew in my spirit that I belonged there.
ICE Effects Linger On After The Riots End
I bring to you a conversation with Khadijah who is also a member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ. I asked her about her thoughts about spreading love in the City of Los Angeles and what it would take, what may be on her heart to share. She experienced the ICE riots and their lingering aftermath.
The riots earlier this year 2026 in Los Angeles, with ICE agents dispatched to round up the illegal immigrants, caused racial unrest in the city. As a resident of South LA, she says it caused more division between the ethnicities than there was prior to ICE arriving.
Looking At Both Sides Of The Immigrant Situation
I understand ICE agents had a duty to remove the immigrants, the criminals who were not benefiting American society and who were here illegally. However, there were some methods that were used that were questionable and downright inhumane on both sides.
Uprooting someone from their home that they’ve lived in for many years and were not planning on leaving is a shock and a gamble as well, because they did take the risk and come to the United States illegally. It may have backfired, but I would like to see it as a blessing. I love how things have a way of turning around for your benefit.
It seems like, yes, this is a horrible situation. This is a really bad situation. However, because of your persistence and your continued faith in God, He turns the situation around and you end up better than you were before losing your home.
I pray if there’s any dissension, hate, malice, or ill will toward the opposite race due to injustices received, that you’ll be able to see justice in the end and forgive them.
God bless, Shirah Chante, Relationship Artist
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