Coalition of Religious Groups Takes Legal Action

A coalition of 27 Christian and Jewish organizations, representing millions of Americans, has initiated a federal lawsuit challenging an action taken by the Trump administration. The lawsuit centers around a policy that permits federal immigration enforcement agencies to conduct arrests in places of worship, such as churches and synagogues.

Background of the Lawsuit

This federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., includes a diverse range of religious groups. Among the plaintiffs are the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Mennonites, and Unitarian Universalists. The lawsuit specifically contests a reversal of a Biden-era policy that had previously prohibited immigration agents from making arrests in sensitive locations, including educational institutions and hospitals.

Impact on Religious Freedom

The plaintiffs argue that the new policy instituted by Trump has instilled a climate of fear among worshipers, leading to decreased attendance at religious services. This fear stems from the potential for immigration raids, which the lawsuit contends infringes upon the religious freedom of these communities. The ability to minister to migrants, both documented and undocumented, is a core aspect of their faith.

“We cannot worship freely if some of us are living in fear,” said the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. “By joining this lawsuit, we seek the ability to gather and fully practice our faith, to follow Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

Previous Lawsuits Highlight Ongoing Concerns

This isn’t the first legal challenge against immigration enforcement in places of worship. A similar lawsuit was filed in January 2023 by five Quaker congregations, which later expanded to include the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a Sikh temple. This ongoing case is currently pending in U.S. District Court in Maryland.

Government Response and Justifications

The lawsuit names the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its immigration enforcement branches as defendants. DHS maintains that their approach is necessary to ensure the safety of American citizens and facilities. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS’s assistant secretary for public affairs, defended the policy by stating:

“We are protecting our schools, places of worship, and Americans who attend, by preventing criminal aliens and gang members from exploiting these locations.”

Department of Justice’s Position

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken a stance against the lawsuit filed by the Quaker groups, asserting that the plaintiffs’ apprehensions about immigration enforcement activities are speculative and do not warrant judicial intervention. The DOJ argues that immigration enforcement has historically taken place within places of worship, provided agents utilize discretion and common sense in their operations.

Broader Implications of the Lawsuit

With over one million adherents from various denominations represented in this new lawsuit, including Reform Judaism, Episcopalianism, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the scale of the coalition is impressive and difficult for authorities to overlook. Legal expert Kelsi Corkran, leading the plaintiff’s narrative, emphasized the religious duty of these communities to care for refugees and immigrants, irrespective of their legal status.

Corkran noted, “Before Trump’s change in policy, immigration agents generally needed a judicial warrant to conduct operations in sensitive locations. Now it’s go anywhere, any time.”

Communities Feel the Strain

Many congregations have begun to observe the ramifications of the new policy. Organizations like the Union for Reform Judaism and the Mennonites often run food banks and shelters for undocumented migrants. Yet, as fear escalates, participation in such programs has waned. Rev. Carlos Malavé, president of the Latino Christian National Network, expressed the pervasive anxiety among migrants, stating:

“There is deep-seated fear and distrust of our government. People fear going to the store and are avoiding going to church.”

Diverging Opinions Among Religious Groups

Interestingly, not all religious organizations are in agreement regarding the lawsuit. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, representing the largest denomination in the country, did not join the effort but has been vocal in its criticism of the administration’s stance on deportations. Furthermore, Pope Francis remarked on the issue, arguing that aggressive immigration enforcement undermines the dignity of those affected.

Contrasting Views on Religious Freedom

On the opposing side of the debate, some conservative leaders and legal analysts do not share concerns about immigration enforcement in houses of worship. Mat Staver, founder of the conservative legal group Liberty Counsel, asserted that “Places of worship are for worship and are not sanctuaries for illegal activity.” He framed the enforcement of laws within these spaces as necessary for upholding justice.