Advertisement Monks Arrested In SWAT Team Action Tibetan Monks Stay In Carter Lake Awaiting Immigration Decision Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Some Tibetan monks on a peace mission in Omaha were recently raided by immigration officials in riot gear.They have since bonded out of jail, but the monks hope to clear up any misunderstandings and return to their native land. For now, the six monks, their personal assistant, and an interpreter are staying in the Carter Lake home of Rob Gutha."They're marvelous house guests. It's wonderful to come home at the end of the day, and first thing, you're greeted with a cup of tea," Gutha said.The monks come from a land of rich tradition, but a poor economy. Their leader, Kharnang Vangtul Rinpoche, said the monks came to the United States on a church-sponsored mission of world peace, hoping to share the plight of Tibetan people and never intending to cause trouble.Before Carter Lake, the group was in Arizona. Their church sponsor abandoned them when the monks refused to recognize the sponsor's leader as the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and Buddha. So the monks traveled to Omaha, not realizing that their immigration visas had been revoked. The next thing they knew, immigration officials showed up at their door with a SWAT team and arrested them."There was one bond placed on Rinpoche," said immigration attorney Amy Peck. "The others were released on their own recognizance."Peck helped the monks bond out of jail. She said they'll stay in Carter Lake until they get permission to leave the country."The case will be referred to the Immigration Court, and it's our hope that the monks will be allowed to depart voluntarily and go back to Tibet, which is what they wish to do," Peck said.Gutha said he'll miss the monks when they leave, but in the meantime, they'll continue sharing their rich cultural heritage with the people of Iowa and Nebraska.The monks will be celebrating the Tibetan New Year over the next two weeks at Omaha's Om Center. Find all the events listed on InTheO.com.