27 religious groups sue administration over immigration enforcement policy
More than two dozen religious groups are suing the federal government in response to the Trump administration’s policy giving immigration agents more leeway to make arrests at “sensitive locations,” including houses of worship.
In the lawsuit, the religious groups — including the Mennonite Church, the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Unitarian Universalist Association — said the change to the sensitive locations policy infringes on their religious freedom. They say their congregations have seen decreased attendance due to fear, and several say they face an “imminent risk” of immigration enforcement actions.
The first paragraph of the suit states, “They bring this suit unified on a fundamental belief: Every human being, regardless of birthplace, is a child of God worthy of dignity, care, and love. Welcoming the stranger, or immigrant, is thus a central precept of their faith practices.”
In a press release, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church Sean Rowe said, “In God’s kingdom, immigrants and refugees are not at the edges, fearful and alone. We believe their struggles reveal the heart of God, and we cannot worship freely if some among us live in fear.”
Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director, Massachusetts Council of Churches added, “Churches are, and have always been, places of prayer, solace, and safety since the time of Jesus Christ; this does not change with any new emperor, king, or president.”
The groups are seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting immigration enforcement activities at houses of worship or during religious ceremonies, except with a judicial warrant or under certain pressing circumstances.
The suit filed Tuesday is the second from a religious group to challenge the Trump administration’s lifting of the sensitive locations policy. In January, several Quaker groups in Maryland sued to keep ICE agents out of their meeting houses.
The administration has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
Legal experts condemn Apple bowing to White House’s request to remove ICE tracking app
It's the latest example of tech giants bowing to pressure from the Trump administration. Legal experts say the developer of the app has free speech rights that may have been violated.
Denmark prepares for a Russian ‘hybrid war’ after repeated drone spottings
Many Danes are rethinking their personal security, and stocking up on emergency supplies, amid unidentified drone appearances. Denmark's leaders warn that Russia is waging a "hybrid war."
Space Command is moving jobs to Huntsville. Will workers move with it?
An Inspector General’s report last year revealed Space Command leadership worried civilian workers would not relocate to Alabama.
Sean Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges
Combs had been convicted in July on two counts of transportation for prostitution. During his sentencing hearing he spoke at length for the first time in the trial, addressing the judge at length.
Shutdown has already delayed the jobs report. More critical reports could be held up
The government's monthly jobs report was not published Friday as a result of the federal shutdown. That's left businesses and policymakers in the dark about the strength of the U.S. job market.
Supreme Court to hear challenge to Hawaii’s limits on guns
At issue is the state law that bans guns on private property that is open to the public — places like clubs, bars and restaurants — unless the property's owners have allowed them.