Federal Appeals Court Revives Lawsuit Allowing Faith Groups to Challenge ICE Enforcement at Houses of Worship

A federal appeals court has revived a lawsuit that allows a coalition of faith groups to challenge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities at houses of worship.

The ruling, issued in October 2026, clears the way for religious organizations to argue in court that ICE enforcement near or at churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious sites violates their members' right to worship freely.

The coalition behind the lawsuit includes congregations from multiple denominations. Their attorneys argue that the presence or threat of immigration enforcement has caused a measurable drop in attendance at services, particularly among immigrant communities.

"People are afraid to come to church," said one pastor involved in the case. "That fear is real, and it is affecting our ability to serve our congregations."

ICE has maintained that its enforcement policies include sensitive location guidelines that generally restrict operations at houses of worship. Critics say those guidelines are not consistently followed and lack legal force.

The appeals court found that the faith groups had standing to bring the case and that their claims were not premature. The decision sends the lawsuit back to a lower court for further proceedings.

Religious liberty advocates called the ruling a significant step. The case is expected to draw additional amicus briefs from denominations and civil rights organizations as it moves forward.

The outcome could set a precedent for how immigration enforcement interacts with constitutionally protected religious activity across the country.