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A lawsuit aimed at protecting houses of worship from immigration enforcement is advancing to its next stages. The case, Mennonite Church USA et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al., has been initiated by the Center on Faith and Justice (CFJ) and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law. It represents over two dozen religious groups opposing the current administration's policy that allows more flexibility for immigration agents to make arrests at "sensitive locations," such as houses of worship.
Jim Simpson, CFJ's executive director, along with Rev. ellie hutchison, UCC minister for church and community engagement, discussed the lawsuit in a webinar on May 8. Simpson stated, “Collectively, the plaintiffs represent tens of thousands of houses of worship. They represent tens of millions of people of faith.” He emphasized that the lawsuit challenges the removal of protections against detentions near places of worship.
The initial hearing took place on April 4 to consider a preliminary injunction aimed at restoring these protections during the lawsuit's duration. Although the judge did not grant this injunction based on current evidence, there remains an opportunity for reconsideration if new evidence emerges showing harm to plaintiffs.
Simpson acknowledged this setback but noted it was not detrimental to their cause: “It’s an initial ruling... it’s a disappointment, but it is not fatal for the case.” He added that ICAP is reviewing options following this decision.
Some denominations like UCC were unable to join due to their denominational polity; however, Simpson praised their active involvement through individuals like Noel Anderson, UCC minister for immigration justice.
Anderson highlighted ongoing efforts within faith communities: “I think that the sensitive locations litigation could open up new doors...to also wedge our opposition.” He encouraged congregations to participate in local "Know Your Rights" trainings.
Simpson remarked on growing activism among faith communities: “What we’re seeing is a groundswell... contrary to the values that we hold dearly – particularly people of faith are seeing that what we are experiencing right now are distinctly at odds with our various traditions.”
The full webinar can be viewed online with additional resources available.
