Legal Battle Over Worship Raids Begins
A coalition of churches, a nonprofit organization, and an interfaith group has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s policy permitting immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship. The legal action, submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, argues that this policy infringes upon constitutional protections, including the First Amendment.
The lawsuit contends that for decades, administrations from both major political parties have recognized certain spaces—such as churches, schools, and healthcare facilities—as protected zones where immigration enforcement should only occur under exceptional conditions. The plaintiffs argue that the current policy undermines that precedent, violating religious liberty, federal procedural standards, and disrupting the missions and operations of the involved organizations.
Those bringing the case include Augustana Lutheran Church in Oregon, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in California, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Florida, the nonprofit Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, and the Interfaith Council of San Francisco. The lawsuit names federal agencies and officials, including the Department of Homeland Security and its Secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as defendants.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its stance in a statement, asserting that the policy is intended to prevent dangerous individuals from exploiting churches and schools as hiding places. Officials emphasized that immigration enforcement in these areas would remain rare and would require approval from a higher-level supervisor.
This legal challenge follows DHS’s rollback of a 2011 Obama-era policy that restricted enforcement in “sensitive locations.” Although religious organizations argue the policy change infringes on their rights, a federal judge recently denied their request for a preliminary injunction, citing a lack of evidence that immigration raids on churches are widespread or burdensome under the current enforcement guidelines.