A coalition of organized labor and religious groups filed a lawsuit Monday that aims to block immigration enforcement at certain locations, such as churches, schools and health clinics.

The federal lawsuit, filed Monday in Oregon, argues the U.S. Department of Homeland Security violated First Amendment protections when agency leaders rescinded a policy this year that limited where federal immigration officers could operate.

It’s the first legal action that seeks to clarify a long-standing policy about so-called “sensitive locations.” For decades, locations such as courthouses, schools, health clinics and churches have been considered areas U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should avoid, with exceptions for urgent circumstances.

The lawsuit, filed by the largest farmworker advocacy organization in Oregon along with several faith communities from Florida to California, argues the Trump administration rescinded the policy in January.

“As a result of the administration’s new policy, sacred spaces have become sources of extreme anxiety rather than places of healing, expression, reflection, celebration, and refuge,” the lawsuit states.

Homeland Security officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This article will be updated.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/immigration-enforcement-churches-lawsuit-oregon/