Religious Groups Challenge Immigration Arrests in Churches

A coalition of 27 religious groups, including Christian and Jewish organizations, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration’s decision to allow immigration agents to conduct immigration arrests at churches. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, argues that the new policy is deterring undocumented individuals from attending religious services and engaging in community programs, ultimately violating religious freedom.

Concerns Over Religious Freedom and Sanctuary

Faith leaders argue that this policy creates fear among immigrant communities, discouraging them from attending worship services, seeking pastoral care, or accessing community resources such as food banks and shelters. Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe stated that religious congregations include immigrants, refugees, and undocumented individuals, and they should be free to worship without fear.

The lawsuit builds on a previous legal challenge by Quaker congregations and other faith-based groups, which contended that immigration enforcement should not disrupt religious gatherings.

Government Defense and Legal Pushback

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the new policy, stating that it prevents criminals from using places of worship as safe havens. A DOJ memorandum opposing the lawsuit argues that the fear of hypothetical enforcement actions is not enough to justify blocking the policy.

However, faith leaders insist that the directive undermines the long-standing tradition of churches being places of sanctuary. Rev. Carlos Malavé, president of the Latino Christian National Network, noted that many undocumented individuals are now avoiding church services altogether due to fear of deportation.

A Growing Faith-Based Response

The lawsuit represents a broad cross-section of faith communities, including the Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Unitarian Universalist Association, and Jewish organizations. Legal experts suggest that while the case faces significant challenges, it highlights the deep moral and theological concerns about immigration arrests in churches.

For more details, refer to the original article on The Associated Press.