Pro-LGBTQ+ and immigrant church fines police for using its carpark - “We don’t do ICE here.”

A progressive church in Florida has made headlines after ejecting local police officers from its premises and issuing a $10,000 (£7,800) invoice for unauthorised use of its car park.

Allendale United Methodist Church is known for its outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities. On 17 June, the church’s pastor, Reverend Andy Oliver, confronted officers from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office who had parked 13 vehicles across 17 spaces in the church’s private carpark while staging an operation.

In a video, Reverend Oliver is seen asking the officers to leave, expressing concern that their presence could be linked to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Although the officers denied any connection to ICE, Oliver insisted they vacate the premises, stating, “I don’t want policing to be staged here. Definitely, ICE is not welcome here”.

The church later issued a formal invoice to the sheriff’s office, citing “unauthorised use” and “disruption to community access, operations, and congregational use of property.” The invoice also noted that the funds, if paid, would be directed towards legal services for immigrants. 

Reverend Oliver explained that the action was not merely about compensation but about sending a clear message. “We serve people who are undocumented, Black and brown people, LGBTQ+ people, and the sheriff's office is not really a safe space for those groups,” he said. 

The sheriff’s office has declined to comment on the matter. Reverend Oliver acknowledged he does not expect the invoice to be paid but emphasised the symbolic importance of the gesture.

Allendale United Methodist Church has previously drawn attention for its activism, including hosting drag queen-led worship services and projecting messages such as “Abolish ICE” on its building.