In early 2025, the Trump administration rescinded longstanding federal guidelines that had designated churches, schools, and hospitals as “sensitive locations,” effectively allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants in and around places of worship without prior approval. This policy shift sparked widespread concern among religious leaders and immigrant communities, leading to a federal lawsuit filed by 27 religious organizations, including the Episcopal Church, the Mennonite Church, and the Rabbinical Assembly .Fox News+4Catholic News Agency+4Catholic News Agency+4
On February 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting immigration enforcement at approximately 1,700 religious sites affiliated with the plaintiffs across 35 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico . Judge Chuang found that the administration’s policy likely infringed upon the religious freedoms of these groups, as it had led to a “chilling effect” on attendance and participation in worship and ministry, particularly among immigrant communities .migrantinsider.com+1Catholic News Agency+1
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the policy change, stating that it aimed to prevent criminals from exploiting sensitive locations as safe havens . However, faith leaders and civil rights advocates argued that the policy undermined the sanctity of religious spaces and deterred individuals from participating in religious and community services. Reverend Carlos Malavé, president of the Latino Christian National Network, noted a significant decrease in attendance at worship services and other programs, attributing it to fear among immigrant communities .PBS: Public Broadcasting Service+3Catholic News Agency+3Catholic News Agency+3Spectrum NewsAmerica Magazine+3Fox News+3NY1+3
Legal experts emphasized that the policy change placed religious institutions in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between their religious mission to welcome all individuals and the risk of exposing undocumented congregants to potential arrest . The lawsuit contends that the policy violates both the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by substantially burdening the free exercise of religion.America Magazinemigrantinsider.com+1America Magazine+1
While the injunction currently applies only to the religious groups involved in the lawsuit, it sets a precedent for future legal challenges and underscores the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and religious freedom. The case continues to unfold in federal court, with broader implications for the balance between national security and constitutional rights.
