In a decisive ruling, a Maryland federal judge on Monday barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting immigration enforcement operations at or near houses of worship of several religious groups, citing violations of religious freedoms.
Faith Groups Challenge Immigration Crackdown
U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang ruled that religious organizations, including Quaker groups, the New England Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, the Sikh Temple, and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, are likely to succeed in proving that an ICE directive allowing raids at sensitive locations infringes upon their First Amendment rights.
“Given that each of the plaintiffs holds religious beliefs compelling them to welcome and serve immigrants, has substantial immigrant membership, or operates in immigrant-rich communities, it is reasonable to anticipate that DHS will direct immigration enforcement toward them specifically,” Judge Chuang stated, referencing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Chilling Effect on Religious Practice
Judge Chuang dismissed DHS’ argument that declining attendance at the plaintiffs’ places of worship was an unreasonable response to a Trump-era policy removing restrictions on immigration enforcement at sensitive locations. The DHS had claimed that ICE agents were instructed to “use common sense” and “discretion,” but Chuang highlighted an administration press release undermining that claim.
