A coalition of Quaker organizations is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a Maryland federal court, seeking to block a policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct enforcement actions in previously protected spaces, including churches. The lawsuit, filed Monday, contends that the policy shift is unconstitutional and violates religious freedom protections.
The plaintiffs, including the New England Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, argue that the DHS policy change harms their First Amendment rights and contravenes the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
Quakers Condemn ICE Presence in Churches
The Quaker groups, some with histories stretching back more than 350 years, say the new policy undermines their religious practices and deters immigrant congregants from attending services.
“Allowing armed government agents wearing ICE-emblazoned jackets to park outside a religious service and monitor who enters or to interrupt the service and drag a congregant out during the middle of worship is anathema to Quaker religious exercise,” the lawsuit states.
