Catholic Diocese Sues U.S. Government Over Clergy Access to Immigration Detainees

A Catholic diocese has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government, arguing that immigration detainees held in federal facilities are being systematically denied access to priests and other clergy for pastoral care and sacraments.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court, claims that detainees have been unable to receive confession, last rites, and other religious services that the diocese says are constitutionally protected. The complaint names the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement as defendants.

Diocese attorneys argue that the restrictions violate the First Amendment's free exercise clause and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, a federal law that protects the religious rights of people in government custody.

ICE has not publicly commented on the specific allegations. The agency has previously said it works to accommodate religious needs of detainees, including providing access to chaplains and religious materials.

The case is one of several legal challenges filed by Catholic and other religious organizations in 2026 over access to detained immigrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been vocal in opposing what it describes as barriers to ministry in detention facilities.

A federal judge has scheduled an initial hearing for later this month. The diocese is seeking a court order requiring ICE to allow regular clergy visits at the facilities named in the complaint.