Judge Notes ICE Agents Went Undercover at Church to Monitor Worshippers

A federal judge noted in a recent ruling that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents went undercover at a church to monitor worshippers, a disclosure that has alarmed religious freedom advocates and church leaders across the country.

The revelation came as part of broader legal proceedings related to immigration enforcement actions in 2026. The judge's comments highlighted the practice without ruling directly on its legality, but the disclosure has sparked immediate reaction from faith communities.

Church leaders and civil liberties organizations called the practice a serious threat to religious freedom. They argue that houses of worship have historically been treated as protected spaces, and that covert surveillance of congregants chills religious expression and attendance.

"People should be able to worship without fear of government surveillance," said one religious freedom attorney familiar with the case. "When agents go undercover in a church, it sends a message that no space is truly safe."

The disclosure comes as Hispanic Pentecostal leaders have separately reported that 19 pastors were detained or deported in 2026 as part of immigration enforcement actions. Those leaders have been pushing for greater protections for immigrant congregants and clergy.

Immigration advocates note that the use of undercover agents in religious settings is not new, but the judicial acknowledgment of the practice has brought renewed attention to the issue.

The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly commented on the specific case. ICE has previously stated that its enforcement actions follow federal law and that agents operate within legal boundaries.

Religious organizations across denominations have been watching the case closely. Several have updated their policies on how to respond if federal agents arrive at their facilities, and some have begun offering legal training to clergy and staff.