For decades, DHS policies have prohibited ICE from conducting raids in churches and other “protected areas” unless extraordinary circumstances existed. However, on Jan. 21, DHS rescinded that policy, instructing agents instead to “use common sense” when deciding on enforcement actions in religious spaces.
Religious Freedom at Stake, Quakers Say
Quaker congregations have long welcomed all individuals, including immigrants, as part of their communal religious services. They believe that diverse participation strengthens their faith and allows them to hear messages from God.
The groups say the new ICE policy discourages immigrant attendees from worshiping freely, burdening their religious rights and restricting their ability to associate with their communities.
In addition to religious freedom concerns, the lawsuit also argues that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to provide a clear justification for overturning a long-standing policy and neglecting to engage in proper notice-and-comment rulemaking.
Legal and Political Reactions
“A week ago today, President Trump swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and yet today, religious institutions that have existed since the 1600s in our country are having to go to court to challenge what is a violation of every individual’s constitutional right to worship and associate freely,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which is representing the Quaker groups.
