A Florida church involved in immigration advocacy has issued a bill to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for allegedly occupying its property without permission during a law enforcement operation.

Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg claims sheriff’s deputies used the church’s private parking lot during an investigation, prompting the church to demand compensation and express opposition to the presence of law enforcement on its grounds, The Christian Post reported.

On June 17, Allendale United Methodist Church posted a public invoice for $10,000 addressed to the local sheriff’s office. The document stated that law enforcement vehicles began parking at the church at approximately 6 a.m. on an unspecified day, using 17 parking spaces without authorization. The church said this disrupted its activities and regular access by its congregation.

Church Confronts Officers and Requests Departure

In a video shared via Facebook, Pastor Andy Oliver approached a group of law enforcement officers in the lot and asked why they were there. The officers responded that they were waiting for an investigation to begin and assured Oliver it was not related to federal immigration enforcement. “We’re just waiting for an operation,” one said when Oliver asked if ICE was involved.

Oliver, who has gained attention for his anti-ICE rhetoric, expressed that he did not want law enforcement using church facilities to stage operations. “I don’t want policing to be staged here,” he told them, adding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement “is not welcome here.”

Later that day, another Facebook video posted by the church showed around a dozen marked and unmarked vehicles departing the premises. By that point, the church had already calculated the disruption and declared its intent to seek payment.

Church Intends to Use Funds for Immigrant Legal Support

The $10,000 invoice includes compensation for community interference and a warning that repeated offenses could “result in legal action or additional penalties.” Church officials noted that if they receive payment, the funds will be used to support legal services for immigrants.

Pastor Oliver’s sharp condemnation of ICE has been consistent with the church’s public advocacy. The church’s building, visible in its Facebook cover photo, bears large lettering that reads “Abolish ICE.” Oliver is often seen wearing garments carrying similar slogans during public appearances.

Just days before the parking lot incident, on June 14, Oliver joined an anti-ICE protest outside the Pinellas County Jail. Wearing an” Abolish ICE” shirt, he delivered a speech describing ICE as a contemporary manifestation of systemic racism, historic oppression, and colonial violence.

Activism Connects Theology and Immigration Stance

During the protest, Oliver linked his theological beliefs to his views on immigration policies. He claimed the agency perpetuates suffering, saying, “Our God does not deport, our God delivers.” He also stated ICE “ICE's the cold breath of empire whispering ‘You don’t belong.’”

Oliver described ICE as a force acting against marginalized people, declaring it “white supremacy in a windbreaker,” and a continuation of historic injustices. He warned against neutrality on immigration issues, adding, “Don’t you dare sanitize the cross.”

He further claimed the Gospel demands vocal opposition to the separation of families and immigrant detention. “ICE disappears people,” Oliver added, stating, “If your theology doesn’t scream for abolition, then your theology is frozen.”

Church Continues Political Engagement Amid National Policy Changes

The pastor has been involved in multiple political and educational efforts, including hosting an AP African-American Studies course at his church in 2023. The course had been rejected by the Florida Department of Education, and Oliver said it aligned with the church’s principles of equity and inclusion.

Allendale’s response to the parking lot incident comes amid a national shift in immigration policy. In January, President Donald Trump’s administration removed previous Department of Homeland Security limits on enforcement in certain “sensitive areas” like churches and schools.

The change has sparked concern among religious leaders across the country. Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino voiced opposition, pointing to incidents in his jurisdiction where immigration agents entered church property and detained individuals.

Religious Leaders Warn of Increased Church Surveillance

“We are now seeing agents detain people as they leave their homes, in their places of work, and other randomly chosen public settings,” Rojas stated. He said he respects the responsibilities of law enforcement but emphasized the need to protect places of worship as refuges.

Oliver, echoing that concern, framed the use of church property by law enforcement as a breach of sacred space. “This nation has built its wealth on stolen land and stolen labor,” he said. “ICE is just the newest name for the oldest sin.”

The pastor concluded his remarks by rejecting silence and complicity, committing to continued advocacy on behalf of immigrants. “We won’t stop until every child is reunited, every detainee is released,” he said.