Appeals Court Rules Faith Groups May Challenge Immigration Raids at Houses of Worship

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has ruled 2-1 in favor of several churches and religious organizations challenging the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policy. The court’s decision reverses a lower court’s refusal to grant a preliminary injunction, allowing the groups to proceed with their lawsuit against the policy that permits immigration raids at sensitive locations, including houses of worship.

Writing for the majority, Judge Florence Y. Pan stated that the plaintiffs have demonstrated likely standing, noting that religious groups face potential harm from increased enforcement activities. The court cited evidence that the government intends to ramp up operations near these sites, which the plaintiffs argue violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The case has been remanded to the district court for further consideration of the injunction request.

In a dissenting opinion, Judge Neomi Rao argued that the plaintiffs' concerns regarding the impact of the policy change are speculative. She contended that there is no guarantee that reverting to previous administrative guidance would alter current enforcement practices.