Federal Judge Upholds Trump's ICE Enforcement Policy in Churches

A federal judge has upheld a Trump administration policy allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct operations at churches, despite objections from religious groups.

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, appointed by former President Donald Trump, rejected a bid by over two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations to block a policy that enables ICE to carry out enforcement actions at places of worship. The organizations argued that the policy violated religious freedoms and contributed to declining attendance, particularly among immigrant communities fearing detention. However, the court found insufficient evidence that churches were being specifically targeted by ICE or that the policy alone was responsible for reduced church attendance. Judge Friedrich pointed out that only a few enforcement actions had occurred at religious sites, suggesting that broader fears of encountering ICE in neighborhoods might be a more significant factor in attendance drops. The policy, which went into effect on Trump’s first day back in office, rescinded an Obama-era guideline that had previously discouraged ICE arrests in ‘sensitive locations’ such as schools, hospitals, and churches. Religious leaders criticized the change, arguing it contradicted long-standing protections for immigrants in sacred spaces. As the lawsuit continues, Friedrich’s decision allows the current policy to remain in place.