ICE Still Blocked From Churches of Cooperative Baptists, Quakers, Sikhs
The panel said the policy likely burdens religious exercise and kept a preliminary injunction in place for eight congregations.
- On Tuesday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction blocking a Homeland Security policy allowing immigration enforcement at houses of worship, ruling it burdens the free exercise of religion for eight plaintiffs.
- President Donald Trump's administration rescinded the 2021 policy from Democratic President Joe Biden in 2025, directing agents to use discretion and stating the change ensures "criminals will no longer be able to hide" in churches.
- The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship reported decreased attendance following the policy change, with one congregation noting a 66% decline in English-as-a-second-language class attendance, demonstrating what Circuit Judge Barbara Milano Keenan described as a "substantial burden."
- Writing for the panel, Keenan stated the 2025 Policy caused "irreparable injury" by chilling attendance, as the court found the government failed to justify the policy's burden under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- Legal challenges continue nationally, though outcomes vary; a separate case in Washington saw a district judge decline an injunction, concluding the evidence did not show houses of worship were "being singled out as special targets.
67 Articles
67 Articles
Star Local
ICE still blocked from churches of Cooperative Baptists, Quakers, Sikhs
(The Center Square) – Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are blocked from entering churches of Cooperative Baptists, Quakers and Sikhs to carry out enforcement operations unless they have a warrant, or in certain specified circumstances, the 4th U.S.…
Appeals court upholds ban on immigration enforcement ‘at or near’ churches across 33 states, DC
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer watches a crowd of protesters at Delaney Hall, a detention center, in Newark, New Jersey, on May 25, 2026. (Photo by Ben Ackman/New Jersey Monitor)A federal appeals court Tuesday upheld an injunction that bars Department of Homeland Security agents from conducting immigration enforcement “at or near” more than 1,400 houses of worship sprawling across 33 states and the District of Columbia. The r…
National Catholic Register
Appeals Court Upholds Block On Immigration Enforcement at Some Religious Sites
The plaintiffs filed suit against DHS in the District of Maryland on Jan. 27, 2025, alleging that the policy violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Dozens of religious groups brought similar lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security following a 2025 policy shift easing immigration enforcement at religious sites.
Appeals court upholds ban on immigration enforcement at some churches in Pa. and other states
A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer watches a crowd of protesters at Delaney Hall, a detention center, in Newark, New Jersey, on May 25, 2026. (Photo by Ben Ackman/New Jersey Monitor)A federal appeals court Tuesday upheld an injunction that bars Department of Homeland Security agents from conducting immigration enforcement “at or near” more than 1,400 houses of worship sprawling across 33 states and the District of Columbia. The r…
Beatrice Daily Sun
Court prohibits arrests near houses of worship
A U.S. appeals court upheld an order Tuesday limiting federal immigration enforcement at eight houses of worship affiliated with three faith groups, saying religious activities at the sites could be hindered.
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