Court of Appeals Blocks ICE Arrests at Baltimore Quaker Meeting and 1,400 Temples

The 4th U.S. Circuit of Appeals has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) cannot conduct immigration arrests within or near more than 1,400 religious temples nationwide, including a Quaker congregation in Baltimore. This decision, issued on August 19, upheld a preliminary order that blocks the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from carrying out migration operations “on or near” places of worship. The ruling aligns with a policy established under the Biden administration in 2021, which restricted immigration enforcement in “sensitive places” such as churches, schools, and hospitals.

The policy was reversed in 2025 by the Trump administration, prompting the lawsuit that led to this court decision. The case was brought by eight religious organizations, including the Baltimore Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, along with congregations in Philadelphia, New England, New York, Richmond, and Adelphi, Maryland. The lawsuit also included a Sikh temple in Sacramento and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The plaintiffs argued that the removal of restrictions on immigration enforcement in worship areas had led to a decline in the support and safety of these religious communities.

Judge G. Steven Agee, who was part of the panel that issued the ruling, emphasized that the order is limited in scope and only protects the congregations specifically named in the lawsuit. This means that other religious institutions, including Catholic and evangelical churches in Baltimore, are not automatically covered by the court’s protection unless they are part of the filing organizations. The decision underscores the legal distinction between the specific groups involved in the case and the broader religious community.

The ruling adds to the ongoing legal debates surrounding immigration enforcement and the rights of religious institutions. Advocacy groups such as LULAC continue to call for a halt to new ICE arrest tools, citing concerns over the impact on immigrant communities. For now, the court order remains in effect as the case continues through the judicial process. DHS has not yet announced whether it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

The case reflects the broader tensions between immigration policy and the role of religious institutions in society. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the protection of worship spaces remains a significant issue for religious groups and their communities. The decision serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding spaces where individuals gather for spiritual and communal support. Micah 6:8 reminds us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God—principles that resonate with the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable communities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)