Judge blocks ICE enforcement actions at churches, other houses of worship
USA TodayFEB 18
Judge Blocks ICE Raids at Select Religious Sites
Above: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted a worksite enforcement operation in January 2025. Image copyright: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Handout/ Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Law enforcement must be empowered to apprehend criminals who might use religious institutions as safe havens. The only modification to the previous policy was removing the requirement for supervisory approval, meaning enforcement activities near places of worship have been permitted for decades.
Anti-Trump narrative
It has long been government policy that everyone, regardless of immigration status, should be able to attend houses of worship without fear of warrantless raids. Trump's policy change has created a chilling effect and violates fundamental constitutional rights to religious freedom.