“It would shatter the consecrated space of sanctuary, thwart communal worship, and undermine the social service outreach that is central to religious expression and spiritual practice for Plaintiffs’ congregations and members,” the lawsuit states.
Houses of worship have also seen “decreases in worship attendance and social services participation due to fear of immigration enforcement action,” plaintiffs add.
Immigration arrests during worship and ministry would be “devastating” to plaintiffs’ religious practice, according to the lawsuit.
“For the vulnerable congregants who continue to attend worship services, congregations must choose between either exposing them to arrest or undertaking security measures that are in direct tension with their religious duties of welcome and hospitality,” they wrote.
“Plaintiffs’ congregations and members face an imminent risk of similar immigration enforcement actions at their places of worship,” according to the complaint.
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