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The Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ (CAC) is among 27 religious groups that have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The legal action challenges a policy change allowing more immigration enforcement in "sensitive locations," such as houses of worship.
Kelsi Corkran, lead counsel for the plaintiffs from the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, stated that the groups involved in the lawsuit "have come together to file this suit because their scripture, teaching, and traditions offer irrefutable unanimity on their religious obligation to embrace and serve the refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in their midst without regard to documentation or legal status."
Filed on February 11 in Washington D.C.'s federal district court, Mennonite Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al., highlights how churches and synagogues are already feeling the effects of this policy reversal. The previous policy restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement from conducting raids at places like churches.
Rev. Seth Kaper-Dale from Reformed Church of Highland Park in New Jersey noted that these changes affect their ministry to immigrants and refugees significantly. "Our building functions as a place not just of prayer but of service and care all week long," he said.
Conference Minister Rev. Freeman Palmer explained that joining the lawsuit was consistent with CAC's values: “We believe that raids conducted in churches violate the sanctity of our places of worship as sanctuaries of peace, spiritual refuge, and community support.”
Rev. Marty Kuchma from Saint Paul’s UCC emphasized that fear of ICE raids could deter people who need support from seeking help at church grounds.
The plaintiffs argue that ICE actions without judicial warrants interfere with religious activities, violating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. They claim rescinding the sensitive locations policy did not meet required standards for changing an agency policy.
“This lawsuit acts as an important means of ministry by way of advocacy,” Palmer said.
UCC General Minister Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson expressed full support for CAC's involvement: “The UCC has been consistent in its support and advocacy for the rights of immigrants and refugees.”
UCC General Counsel Heather Kimmel clarified why UCC is not named as a plaintiff but might participate through an amicus brief later.
This case is one among several recent lawsuits by faith organizations against federal agencies due to Trump Administration policies affecting immigration enforcement at places like churches.
“It is regrettable that we can see a relationship among all those lawsuits in terms of the human person,” commented Rev. Carlos Malave from Latino Christian National Network.
Palmer concluded by encouraging persistence: “We can stay straight on course and say, ‘We can — individually and collectively.’”
