In early 2025, the Trump administration rescinded long-standing guidelines that had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This policy shift prompted a coalition of over two dozen religious organizations—including Quaker congregations, the Episcopal Church, and Sikh temples—to file a lawsuit challenging the new directive. They argued that the policy infringed upon their First Amendment rights and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by deterring immigrant congregants from participating in worship and community services due to fear of arrest .Racine County Eye+9Migrant Insider+9Catholic News Agency+9
On February 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting immigration enforcement actions at the plaintiffs’ places of worship without a warrant. Judge Chuang found that the administration’s policy likely violated religious freedoms by creating a “chilling effect” on attendance and participation in worship and ministry, particularly among immigrant communities. The ruling reinstated protections from a 2021 Biden-era memo for these specific locations, meaning ICE cannot conduct warrantless enforcement actions there while the lawsuit continues in federal court .Migrant Insider+1Catholic News Agency+1
The Department of Homeland Security defended the policy change, asserting that it was necessary to prevent criminals from exploiting sensitive locations as safe havens. However, critics, including Pope Francis, condemned the move, warning that forceful removals based solely on immigration status deprive individuals of their inherent dignity .Fox News+2Racine County Eye+2NY1+2
While the injunction currently applies only to the plaintiffs’ affiliated places of worship, the case underscores the ongoing tension between immigration enforcement and religious liberty. As the lawsuit progresses, it may set significant precedents regarding the extent to which religious institutions can serve as sanctuaries for undocumented individuals.
