The New Under Ground Church-THE TRUTH MUST BE TOLD: ICE Raid Panic Grips California Town; When a California mayor warns residents not to open their doors because federal agents are in the neighborhood, you know something in America’s rulebook is upside down—and the fight over immigration has officially landed on your front porch.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

ICE Raid Panic Grips California Town; When a California mayor warns residents not to open their doors because federal agents are in the neighborhood, you know something in America’s rulebook is upside down—and the fight over immigration has officially landed on your front porch.

ICE Raid Panic Grips California Town

Historic street in a small town during sunset with brick buildings and street lamps

When a California mayor warns residents not to open their doors because federal agents are in the neighborhood, you know something in America’s rulebook is upside down—and the fight over immigration has officially landed on your front porch.

California Mayor’s Emergency Warning: Stay Home, Don’t Open the Door

Residents in Perris, California, were told this week to stay behind closed doors—and not just because of the heat. Mayor Michael Vargas took to social media, posting urgent video messages in both English and Spanish, warning locals to shelter in place and avoid opening their doors to strangers. The reason? Federal immigration agents—ICE—were conducting operations in the area. The city, which is over three-quarters Hispanic or Latino, became the latest battleground in the endless standoff between California’s “sanctuary” policies and Washington’s push for real border enforcement.

The mayor’s message was clear: “We urge all residents to remain calm, stay indoors when possible and know your rights. Do not go out unless necessary, stay at home and do not open the door to strangers. This message is for awareness and safety. The city is committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of all our residents.” For those keeping score, when the local government tells people to hide from federal law enforcement, you know the system is broken. The city’s alert was the latest in a series of public advisories across California, as sanctuary jurisdictions dig in their heels against ICE and federal immigration crackdowns.

Federal Response: Accusations of “Fearmongering” and Escalation

The Department of Homeland Security did not mince words. Officials blasted the mayor’s video as dangerous “fearmongering,” claiming such statements are responsible for a stunning 700% increase in assaults on ICE officers. The feds argue that local warnings like those from Mayor Vargas not only distort reality, but actively put law enforcement at risk. It’s a familiar script: local officials paint themselves as defenders of vulnerable communities, while federal authorities accuse them of obstruction and stoking chaos. Meanwhile, ICE operations continue in Perris and across Southern California, undeterred by the political theater.

Religious leaders are also jumping into the fray. The Bishop of San Bernardino issued a letter excusing churchgoers from attending mass out of fear of ICE raids near religious sites. It’s a telling sign when even the church suggests staying home to avoid federal law enforcement. The message from all sides is clear: trust in the basic social contract is unraveling, especially for people who are here illegally or feel targeted by immigration enforcement. The broader community is left to navigate the fallout.

Sanctuary Cities vs. Federal Law: A Constitutional Tug-of-War

This latest incident in Perris is hardly an isolated episode. California cities have a history of resisting federal immigration enforcement, with Los Angeles and others issuing similar warnings or even taking legal action against federal raids. Lawsuits, public statements, and sanctuary policies have all become part of the playbook, as local governments challenge the reach and tactics of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.

At the heart of the conflict is a fundamental question: who gets to decide how immigration laws are enforced—local officials, or the federal government? Legal battles are raging over the constitutionality of sanctuary policies, the limits of local versus federal authority, and what it means to “protect” residents. Critics argue that sanctuary policies undermine the rule of law and common sense, while supporters claim they’re essential for community trust and safety. In the meantime, families are caught in the crossfire, businesses face disruptions, and public trust in government institutions—at every level—continues to erode.

The Real-World Impact: Fear, Division, and the Erosion of Common Sense

For the residents of Perris—especially those who are undocumented or part of the Latino majority—the mayor’s warning has real consequences. Many are staying home, skipping work, and avoiding public spaces out of fear. Churches are emptier. Local businesses feel the pinch as customers disappear. The climate of anxiety and mistrust grows, not just between immigrant communities and law enforcement, but across the city as a whole.

Long-term, the standoff in Perris is a warning to the rest of the nation. As legal and political battles intensify, and as federal and local governments continue to work at cross-purposes, the casualties are order, trust, and the basic principles that should unite us as citizens. When mayors tell people to hide from the law, and when federal officials accuse local leaders of fueling violence, America’s constitutional fabric is stretched to the breaking point. The only winners in this fight are those who profit from division and dysfunction. The rest of us are left to wonder: how did we get to a place where following the law is now a political act?