Federal Court Blocks ICE Raids at Houses of Worship, Affirming Religious Freedom
Read the full news release from Democracy Forward here:
A federal judge in Massachusetts has issued a preliminary injunction blocking U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting enforcement operations at or around houses of worship, restoring long-standing protections for sensitive locations and affirming core religious freedom rights under the U.S. Constitution.
The ruling in New England Synod, ELCA, et al. v. Department of Homeland Security, et al. prevents immigration raids at places of worship for the plaintiffs in the case, which include five ELCA synods: the New England, Greater Milwaukee, Southwest California, Southwestern Texas, and Sierra Pacific synods. We in the Grand Canyon Synod are especially grateful for our Region 2 partners — Sierra Pacific Synod and Southwest California Synod — who courageously stepped forward alongside other ELCA synods and ecumenical partners to serve as plaintiffs.
For more than 30 years, the federal government recognized houses of worship as “sensitive locations,” restricting immigration enforcement actions in order to safeguard religious exercise. The challenged policy sought to give the Department of Homeland Security and ICE broad authority to conduct enforcement actions at or around places of worship. The court’s order restores essential safeguards while the case proceeds.
Several congregations in our wider ELCA community shared their stories as part of this effort. Their courage made this moment possible. We especially celebrate congregations with migrant members who have long embodied radical hospitality — opening their doors in faith, trusting God’s call to welcome the stranger, and accompanying immigrant neighbors in love.
In a joint statement, the plaintiff faith groups declared:
“As people of faith, our sacred spaces must remain places of safety, refuge, and worship. For decades, our congregations have opened their doors to all, regardless of immigration status, and carried out ministries grounded in dignity, compassion, and community. Today’s ruling affirms a simple but profound principle: religious freedom belongs to everyone.”
This case was brought with representation from Democracy Forward, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, and Gilbert LLP. It marks the second federal court order blocking enforcement actions at houses of worship secured by Democracy Forward.
As Lutherans, we affirm that freedom of religion is foundational — not only constitutionally, but theologically. Our sanctuaries are places where Word and Sacrament are proclaimed, where communities gather without fear, and where Christ meets us in neighbor and stranger alike. The court recognized that routine immigration enforcement cannot justify harm to religious freedom.
This preliminary injunction applies to the plaintiffs in the litigation and represents an important step forward. The case will continue toward a final resolution.
We give thanks for our Region 2 partners and for the ecumenical coalition — including Quaker, Baptist, and other Christian bodies — who stood together in this witness. Their action reflects a shared conviction: sacred spaces must never become places of intimidation.
Read the full news release from Democracy Forward here:
