National/ International Desk
13 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups have filed a lawsuit against a Trump administration policy that allows immigration agents more freedom to make arrests at religious sites. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in a federal court in Washington, argues that the policy is causing fear among immigrant communities, reducing attendance at worship services and other religious programs.
The groups involved include the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, the Mennonites, and the Unitarian Universalists. They claim that the new policy violates religious freedom and interferes with their ability to serve immigrants, including those who are undocumented.
“We have immigrants and refugees, many of whom are legal with documents and many who are undocumented,” said Most Rev. Sean Rowe, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He emphasized that religious institutions have long provided support to vulnerable communities, and the policy disrupts that mission.
The lawsuit names the Department of Homeland Security and its immigration enforcement agencies as defendants. As of now, the Trump administration has not responded to the legal action. However, a Justice Department memorandum filed last Friday opposing arguments in a similar lawsuit by Quaker groups could apply to this case as well.
On January 27, five Quaker organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the same policy. Later, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and a gurdwara committee also joined that case.
Religious leaders argue that places of worship should remain safe spaces for all, regardless of immigration status. They are calling for an end to policies that instill fear and prevent people from practicing their faith freely.