The coalition challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s policy permitting immigration enforcement actions at houses of worship continues to grow.
In June 2026, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, together with Democracy Forward and Gilbert LLP, filed an amended complaint on behalf of a coalition that now represents more than 7,000 congregations nationwide. The expansion reflects the growing concern among faith communities about the impact of immigration enforcement actions at or near houses of worship.
For decades, federal policy generally restricted immigration enforcement at churches and other sensitive locations. Since those protections were rescinded in 2025, congregations across the country have reported a chilling effect on worship attendance and community participation. Churches have altered operations, increased security measures, and, in some cases, restricted access to their buildings out of concern for potential immigration enforcement activity.
The lawsuit argues that the policy violates the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act. The amended complaint details how congregations have experienced declining attendance and giving, disruptions to ministry activities, and fear among worshippers regardless of immigration status.
As Madeleine Gates, Associate Counsel at the Washington Lawyers’ Committee, explained:
“Congregations, whose faith requires them to welcome all with open hearts, have been forced to lock their doors and train staff on how to handle potential immigration raids. There is no justification for the government to put people of faith in these impossible situations. Decades of history show that immigration enforcement can be accomplished without raiding churches.”
The case has already resulted in significant progress. In February 2026, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction blocking immigration arrests and surveillance at houses of worship for certain religious organizations while the litigation proceeds. More recently, attorneys representing the coalition asked the court to permanently prohibit immigration enforcement actions at or near houses of worship and extend those protections to additional faith groups.
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Learn more about the Sensitive Locations case and how these policy changes have affected faith communities across the country.
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