Appeals court upholds block on immigration arrests at certain houses of worship
Summary
A federal appeals court has kept in place a block on a Department of Homeland Security policy that allowed immigration officers to make arrests at certain houses of worship. The court found that the policy created a burden on religious groups by scaring people away from attending services.Key Facts
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction preventing immigration arrests at specific houses of worship.
- The case involves Quaker, Sikh, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship congregations.
- The judges ruled the DHS policy interfered with the free exercise of religion.
- The policy caused declines in attendance at services due to fear of immigration enforcement.
- The policy change was made during President Donald Trump’s second administration, rolling back protections from the Biden era.
- The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit claiming the policy violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the First Amendment.
- The court noted that DHS stated criminals would no longer avoid arrest by hiding in schools or churches, increasing the enforcement threat.
- The religious groups said the ruling supports their right to worship without fear of immigration raids.
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