A coalition of religious groups has taken legal action against Trump’s immigration enforcement policy allowing arrests in places of worship.
Quick Takes
- Lawsuit filed by 27 Christian and Jewish groups challenges immigration arrests in houses of worship.
- The policy allegedly infringes on religious freedom and violates the First Amendment and RFRA.
- Religious groups seek injunction against immigration enforcement at worship locations.
- The Department of Homeland Security argues arrests prevent criminal acts at these sites.
Religious Coalition Files Lawsuit
In Washington’s U.S. District Court, 27 Christian and Jewish organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The complaint challenges a directive permitting immigration arrests in religious sanctuaries. The key argument centers on perceived encroachment on religious freedoms, highlighting fears that enforcement measures may deter worship attendance and reduce the capacity to support migrants.
The lawsuit, seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction, aims to halt Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials from performing immigration enforcement at places of worship. The change in policy reportedly reduced attendance at church services and participation in associated programs due to fears of raids.
ICYMI: 27 faith groups sued the Trump administration over executive actions to remove protections for houses of worship from immigration enforcement activity. @SCarson_News reported on the news w/ a local faith angle about Wisconsin churches' involvement: https://t.co/ssvSwaSa1s
— Liam Adams (@liamsadams) February 12, 2025
Argument of Religious Freedom
The plaintiffs argue the policy violates religious freedom, citing the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Legal experts question the success of the lawsuit’s religious freedom argument but recognize the long-standing tradition of churches as sanctuaries. The DHS defends the policy as crucial to preventing exploitation of places of worship as safe havens by criminals.
“Whatever interest DHS has in enforcing immigration law, it cannot meet its burden here of demonstrating that its interference with plaintiffs’ religious practices is the least restrictive means of serving that interest,” said Kelsi Corkran, lead counsel for plaintiffs.
The lawsuit also contends that the “Recession Memo,” instructing ICE and CBP officers on discretion in enforcement at worship sites, triggered the legal action. The multi-faith coalition represents millions of worshippers, emphasizing their religious duty to aid immigrants without consideration of legal status.
More than two dozen faith groups Tuesday filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Trump administration’s decision to rescind a 30-year-old policy that restricted immigration enforcement in so-called sensitive locations such as places of worship.https://t.co/53XRq6f0jr
— David DeWitt (@DC_DeWitt) February 12, 2025
Community and Legal Reactions
Responses are mixed; some conservative faith leaders maintain such enforcement is necessary to ensure churches do not harbor illegal activities. Others argue the policy contradicts religious teachings focused on providing refuge and support. DHS and Department of Justice claim arrest capabilities in places of worship have been permitted for decades and dismiss the lawsuit’s claims as based on speculative harm.
“Places of worship are for worship and are not sanctuaries for illegal activity or for harboring people engaged in illegal activity. Fugitives or criminals are not immune from the law merely because they enter a place of worship. This is not a matter of religious freedom. There is no right to openly violate the law and disobey law enforcement,” said Mat Staver, founder of the conservative Christian legal organization Liberty Counsel.
The lawsuit emphasizes historic religious freedoms, seeking immediate relief to prevent detrimental effects on worshippers. Amar Shergill from the Sikh Temple Sacramento notes the detrimental impact on communal worship and attendance fears due to possible immigration enforcement.
