Appeals court upholds ban on immigration enforcement ‘at or near’ churches across 33 states, DC

The 4th Circuit upheld an injunction barring immigration enforcement 'at or near' more than 1,400 houses of worship across 33 states and D.C., affirming a 2025 ruling won by Quaker, Sikh and Baptist congregations. The suit challenged the Trump administration's day-one reversal of a Biden policy that discouraged enforcement at 'sensitive locations,' replacing it with instructions for agents to use 'discretion' and 'common sense.'

The appeals panel found the congregations presented evidence of declining attendance and a real chilling effect, citing a DHS spokesperson's 2025 statement that 'criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches.' DHS responded to the ruling by repeating nearly the same line, insisting ICE 'does not target places of worship' while also defending its right to use discretion there.

The injunction is narrow: it covers only the congregations that sued, doesn't block arrests made under judicial or administrative warrants, and permits emergency actions, as one concurring judge stressed. A group backing DHS called the ruling 'absurd' and blamed an 'activist judge,' while the plaintiffs' legal group called the outcome a preservation of a longstanding tradition.

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