Lawsuits filed in Washington, D.C., and Maryland argue that immigration enforcement within places of worship infringes on individuals’ right to practice their religion.
Religious leaders have taken legal action against the Trump administration over policy changes that permit federal agents to conduct arrests inside churches and other places of worship. These lawsuits challenge the administration’s decision to overturn a long-standing policy that previously prohibited the detention of undocumented immigrants in sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and religious institutions.
A lawsuit filed Tuesday in D.C. alleges that the Department of Homeland Security’s revised enforcement policies violate the First Amendment, which guarantees religious freedom. The 27 religious organizations involved in the case also argue that the changes violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which prevents the government from imposing a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion.
The lawsuit seeks court orders to prevent DHS from carrying out enforcement actions in places of worship unless a judge issues a warrant or there are urgent circumstances.
“It’s a fundamental constitutional right to freely practice religion, and if people are afraid to attend church, that’s a serious issue,” said Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Sean Rowe, a plaintiff in the case. “This isn’t about immigration policy—we’re simply saying churches shouldn’t be targeted.”
White House Border Czar Tom Homan has defended the administration’s expanded immigration enforcement, including allowing ICE agents to enter schools. On Tuesday, he expressed dissatisfaction with the current number of immigrant arrests, stating, “I’m not satisfied—there are still more criminal aliens that need to be taken into custody.”
D.C.-based immigration advocate Abel Núñez acknowledges that the policy shift has heightened fear among undocumented individuals. However, he notes that large-scale raids have not yet been observed, though the detention of undocumented immigrants without criminal records remains a concern.
The first lawsuit, filed in Maryland on behalf of a multi-faith coalition, contends that the policy reversal forces religious communities to choose between providing refuge to undocumented individuals or exposing them to enforcement. The suit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt the policy.
Father Vidal Rivas of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Hyattsville, Maryland, previously stated that church attendance has declined since the Trump administration intensified immigration enforcement. “Families are scared, anxious, crying, and feeling hopeless. The situation is dire,” he said.
