From Newsweek · · 1m 30s
Churches challenge Trump ICE raids
Religious groups win court victory against Trump administration's church enforcement policy.
In brief
Religious groups win court victory against Trump administration's church enforcement policy. A federal appeals court allowed religious organizations to challenge Trump's decision to lift immigration enforcement protections at houses of worship. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Court allows religious challenge
A federal appeals court let religious groups pursue their challenge to Trump's decision to lift immigration enforcement protections at houses of worship.
2-1 ruling on religious groups
The court ruled 2-1 that religious organizations showed enough standing to challenge the policy change, sending the case back to a lower court.
Key judges involved
U.S. Circuit Judges Florence Pan and Robert Wilkins wrote the majority opinion while Neomi Rao dissented.
Policy change timeline
On January 20, 2025, Trump's administration rescinded federal guidance protecting houses of worship from immigration enforcement.
Religious groups' claims
Twenty-seven Christian and Jewish organizations sued DHS, arguing enforcement at churches violates religious freedom and constitutional rights.
Lower court denial
A district court denied the groups' request for a preliminary injunction, saying they didn't show an imminent threat of enforcement.
Religious leaders' reactions
Kelsi Brown Corkran called the ruling a victory for millions of people of faith, and Rev. Carlos L. Malave praised the court's decision to protect sensitive locations.
DHS response
DHS stated ice does not target churches, claiming the policy change is a false narrative to demonize ice officers.
What happens next
The district court must now reconsider the religious groups' request for a preliminary injunction to protect churches from enforcement.
The headline
A federal appeals court allowed religious organizations to challenge Trump's decision to lift immigration enforcement protections at houses of worship.
