An elder of a polygamist sect has sent a letter to the White House decrying what he calls "terrorist acts" that have separated the sect's children from their parents.

The Yearning for Zion ranch in Eldorado, Texas, was raided last month by authorities acting on tips alleging physical and sexual abuse. The ranch is owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a Mormon offshoot that practices polygamy.

Child welfare officials took more than 460 children and teens into state custody, where they remain.

Members of the sect deny allegations of abuse and say the raid was based on a hoax.

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The letter to President Bush is signed by Willie Jessop, an FLDS elder.

"Mr. President, it does not require a foreign country to commit terrorist acts on American soil," the letter says. "Terrorist acts can be committed by federal, local, and private entities that are operating under the guise of 'protecting the public.' "

The letter says the April 3 raid on the compound was an "intrusive invasion" by "a heavily armed militant force."

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