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More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups have initiated legal action against a Trump administration policy that removed restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests at sensitive locations, such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington on February 11.
The plaintiffs, representing various religious denominations including Baptist, Jewish, and Methodist communities, argue that the policy change has instilled fear of ICE raids within their congregations and those they serve. This fear is reportedly affecting attendance at worship services and hindering their ability to assist vulnerable populations.
Kelsi Corkran, a lawyer with Georgetown University Law Center’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, is leading the case for the plaintiffs. She stated during a press call that “welcoming the stranger or immigrant is a central precept” of their faith practices. Corkran contends that the sanctuary policy change "is already substantially burdening their religious exercise" under both the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment.
Corkran highlighted that previous administrations recognized places of worship as sensitive locations and restricted enforcement actions accordingly. However, Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the new directive. She explained that it enables law enforcement to prevent criminals from exploiting these locations as safe havens.
Despite assurances from DHS that such raids would be rare, an incident occurred in January when ICE agents arrested an individual at a church in Georgia. The circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of Union for Reform Judaism, expressed his organization's support for the lawsuit during a press call. He emphasized standing up with conviction to express their religious faith and trust in America's values.
While not directly involved in the lawsuit, some bishops from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have voiced concerns about changes to sanctuary policies. Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso criticized recent immigration-related actions by the federal government in a statement issued on January 21.
On February 11, Pope Francis addressed U.S. Catholics and others urging them not to succumb to discriminatory narratives against migrants and refugees. He acknowledged nations' rights to protect themselves but cautioned against deportations that harm individuals who have fled due to dire circumstances.
Kate Scanlon reports on this issue for OSV News from Washington.
