The federal judge supported the Trump administration policy that allowed us to conduct enforcement activities in churches and other places of worship despite lawsuits from faith-based groups.
US District Judge Dabney Friedrich, appointed by Trump in his first term, rejected requests from more than 20 Christian and Jewish organizations to block policy. The group said it was violating religious freedom and causing a decline in attendance, particularly among migrants who are worried about being detained on the ice.
The court found little evidence that ICE was targeting churches or that policy changes were simply because fewer people attending services. Friedrich noted that only a small number of enforcement actions actually took place in or near religious places.
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Signs banning ice and homeland security entrances have been featured in New York churches. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
“The evidence suggests that the congregation is at home not because churches and synagogues are high-risk locations, but to avoid encountering ice in their own neighborhoods,” Friedrich wrote in her opinion.
The policy, which is at the heart of the lawsuit, took office on January 20th on Trump’s first day.
That day, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded Obama-era guidelines that discouraged ice agents from being arrested in “sensitive places,” including schools, hospitals and places of worship. Under the new rules, ICE personnel will no longer require special approval to act in these locations, as long as they apply “common sense” and “discretion.”
Religious leaders said the change is against more than 30 years of precedent. This was intended to protect immigrants and other vulnerable people from targeting sacred or essential community spaces.
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The court found little evidence that ICE was targeting the church. (ice)
However, the judge said retrieving old policies may not change attendance as wider immigration enforcement measures could alienate people.
Other legal challenges for immigration enforcement in sensitive places have also passed through courts.
A federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked operations in religious locations for some groups, including Quakers. However, a Colorado judge ruled the administration’s favor in a similar case involving school enforcement.
President Donald Trump will speak at an event on energy production in the White House East Room on April 8, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Friedrich’s decision means that current policies will remain in place as the lawsuit progresses.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jasmine is a writer for Fox News Digital and is a New Orleans-based military spouse. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
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