More Lutheran and other Christian churches sue ICE over immigration enforcement raids in worship spaces

More churches are suing ICE, claiming enforcement actions have disrupted worship and caused fear among congregants. A new lawsuit filed by Baptist, Lutheran, and Quaker groups alleges that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has violated First Amendment protections by allowing immigration enforcement in places of worship. The groups seek a preliminary injunction to halt the policy, which they claim infringes on religious freedoms.

Following President Trump’s administration, ICE rescinded a previous policy that prohibited enforcement actions in sensitive locations, including churches, schools, and hospitals. In recent months, federal agents have conducted raids in churches across southern California, including seizing a man in front of a church, brandishing a rifle at a pastor, and detaining a grandfather at a church school. Church leaders report that these incidents have led to widespread fear among congregants.

The lawsuit argues that the actions have caused a significant decline in church attendance and donations. Congregations have reportedly gone underground to protect their members, avoiding in-person meetings that are central to their faith. Baptisms are being held in private, and churches have stopped advertising ministries focused on immigrants. Staff have also been trained to respond to potential immigration raids, according to the complaint.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend, with at least four similar cases filed by faith leaders in the past six months. In February, over two dozen religious groups sued the administration, leading to a partial restraining order that blocked ICE enforcement in approximately 1,700 places of worship across 35 states and Washington, D.C. However, in April, a Trump-appointed judge ruled against the religious groups, stating that the drop in church attendance could not be definitively linked to ICE actions.

The ongoing legal battles highlight the tension between immigration enforcement and religious freedom. Church leaders argue that the policy has created an atmosphere of fear, undermining the spiritual and communal aspects of worship. As the cases continue, the impact on congregations and their ability to serve their communities remains a central concern.

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