Judge Rules ICE Agents Can Arrest Suspected Migrants Near Churches

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by churches challenging the Trump administration’s policy allowing immigration arrests near churches.

Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled the plaintiffs failed to show sufficient harm, stating concerns like declining attendance were too speculative.

The policy reversed a Biden-era rule limiting enforcement near sensitive locations, including churches and schools. Although churches claimed the policy led to empty pews, the judge said broader immigration actions could be to blame.

The ruling focused on the plaintiffs’ lack of legal standing, not the policy’s legality. In contrast, a Maryland judge blocked similar enforcement near certain religious sites.