Federal appeals court upholds ban on ICE operations in some California churches

A federal appeals court has upheld a ban that shields some churches in California from immigration enforcement operations. The ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals allows the prohibition to remain in effect while the case proceeds.

The court found that the Department of Homeland Security's policy of removing restrictions on ICE operations in sensitive locations, including places of worship, places a substantial burden on the free exercise of religion. Judge Barbara Milano Keenan wrote that the new policy has had a "deterrent effect" on congregations, causing a decline in attendance.

The lawsuit was initiated by a coalition of religious groups, including the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento, and several Quaker congregations. As a result, ICE cannot currently conduct operations at the facilities of these specific organizations.

While this ruling directly protects only the named plaintiffs, legal experts suggest it establishes a valuable precedent that could encourage other religious organizations to pursue similar legal action against ICE operations. The decision follows a policy change that removed previous Biden administration guidelines prohibiting immigration enforcement actions in or near protected areas like places of worship, schools, and hospitals.

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the new policy is having a deterrent effect on their congregations and has already caused a decrease in attendance.