A U.S. District Judge has temporarily halted federal immigration enforcement actions at certain places of worship after a lawsuit initiated by churches claiming that the actions would restrict congregation attendance. This follows a recent change in policy by the Trump administration that removed protections for 'sensitive locations' like churches, hospitals, and schools from immigration raids. The ruling indicates that enforcement actions could infringe upon the rights of religious freedom, although it only applies to the plaintiffs involved in the case.
"Plaintiffs have provided evidence that the willingness of their congregants to attend worship and participate in ministry services is presently being chilled," Judge Chang wrote.
"The Department of Homeland Security in January said the move would help officials 'enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens.'"
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