There is great concern among American religious communities. More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups, representing millions of Americans, have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration’s policy that allows immigration agents to make arrests in places of worship without prior approval. The plaintiffs, including the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Church of the Brethren, argue that the policy instills fear among migrants, reducing participation in religious services and undermining freedom of worship.
Bishop Sean Rowe of the Episcopal Church stated that one cannot pray freely when some members of the community live in fear. The lawsuit aims to ensure the freedom to gather and practice faith, a fundamental right that could be threatened by the growing insecurity among migrants, especially those without documents. The plaintiffs argue that religious activities, such as refugee and homeless assistance programs, could be compromised.
The contested policy, introduced in January, gives agents more discretion to carry out arrests in places of worship without the need for prior approval. In response to the lawsuit, the Department of Justice emphasized that such enforcement has been in place for decades, but the plaintiffs maintain that the current approach threatens religious communities and creates an atmosphere of fear.
Kelsi Corkran, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, highlighted how the Trump administration now has the power to carry out arrests at any time and in any location. Religious groups, including synagogues, churches, and mosques, have observed a decline in participation in services, with many congregations shifting to online services to protect vulnerable members.
Although the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has not joined the lawsuit, it has expressed criticism of the recent regulations imposed by the administration. Some legal experts and conservative leaders, however, believe that places of worship should not serve as sanctuaries for illegal activities, emphasizing that no one is immune from the law, even within abbeys and synagogues.
The lawsuit continues to develop and could have significant repercussions for the treatment of migrants in the United States, with a large number of religious leaders and legal experts ready to fight for the protection of religious freedom and the rights of the most vulnerable.
