A coalition of more than 24 religious groups, representing thousands of congregations, has taken legal action aiming to shield their houses of worship from becoming sites for immigration arrests. The lawsuit targets a policy reversal by the Trump administration that had previously prevented ICE from carrying out enforcement actions in locations such as churches and synagogues. The plaintiffs contend that removing these protections jeopardizes their mission to serve immigrant communities by exposing congregants to heightened risk of arrest during worship and community services.
In the filed complaint in Washington, D.C. federal court, the religious organizations—comprising Baptist, Episcopalian, Evangelical, Methodist, Pentecostal, Jewish, Unitarian, and other congregations—argue that the administration’s decision infringes upon their religious freedoms. They point to an incident in Georgia, where an asylum seeker was arrested while attending a Pentecostal church service, as evidence that their sacred spaces are no longer safe. The lawsuit explains that many houses of worship not only provide spiritual guidance but also vital social services, including food and clothing pantries, ESL classes, legal assistance, and job training, particularly for undocumented individuals.
The legal complaint further underlines that immigration arrests on religious premises would have a crippling effect on both worship and community outreach. The plaintiffs explain that such actions would shatter the sanctity of their congregational spaces, disrupt communal worship, and severely affect the social services vital to many immigrant families. They also note a marked decline in attendance and participation in community services, a trend fueled by the fear of immigration enforcement on their premises.
Similar lawsuits have been initiated by other faith groups, reflecting widespread concern over the administration’s broader immigration agenda. The legal challenges criticize the administration’s stance that treats all undocumented immigrants as criminals, and they highlight the broader implications of aggressive enforcement measures, which include large-scale deportation operations and the controversial use of military aircraft for deportation flights.
13 Comments
Marishka
“Our houses of worship should be safe havens. I fully support protecting them from immigration raids.”
Pupsik
“This legal action is a bold reminder that our places of worship cannot be misused as enforcement battlegrounds.”
Marishka
“I’m concerned that using churches as safe zones for evading immigration checks only hurts long-term public safety.”
Pupsik
“When houses of worship become sanctuaries for those breaking the law, our country’s security is at risk.”
Marishka
“Ignoring legal responsibilities in the name of religious service could undermine the integrity of our legal system.”
Habibi
“Protecting sanctuaries at the expense of enforcing immigration laws puts the safety of citizens at risk.”
Africa
“The focus should be on lawful immigration reform, not on providing excuses for ignoring enforcement.”
Bella Ciao
“This lawsuit seems more about political posturing than protecting genuine religious freedoms.”
Mariposa
“Schools, hospitals, and police stations have strict guidelines—so why should churches be given special treatment?”
Coccinella
“When churches fear serving their community because of immigration arrests, it’s time to push back. I’m with you.”
Muchacho
“Religious communities have a duty to follow the law. This lawsuit is a step towards chaos in law enforcement.”
ZmeeLove
“I’m proud to see such diverse faith groups unite for the protection of innocent people during worship.”
Bella Ciao
“This lawsuit shows that caring for our vulnerable neighbors is more important than political agendas.”