Georgia-Based Baptist Group Joins Legal Battle to Protect Immigrant Rights in Churches

A network of Baptist churches headquartered in Decatur, Georgia, has joined a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to challenge the rollback of a policy that limited federal immigration arrests near “sensitive locations” such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) argues that this change infringes upon religious freedom and deters immigrants from participating in church activities.

Background on the Policy Change

The “sensitive locations” policy, established during the Obama administration, directed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to avoid conducting enforcement actions at certain locations to protect vulnerable populations and uphold individuals’ rights to access essential services. However, following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, this policy was rescinded as part of a broader effort to intensify immigration enforcement. DHS stated that the change was necessary to prevent criminals from using places like schools and churches as havens to evade arrest.

Impact on Congregations

The revocation of the policy has led to widespread concern among faith-based organizations. Many immigrants now fear attending church services or participating in community programs, worried that they might be targeted by ICE agents. This fear has tangible effects:

Decline in Attendance: Pastors report that immigrant congregants are increasingly afraid to attend worship services.

Reduced Participation in Services: Essential programs such as food distributions and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes have seen decreased participation, as immigrants fear potential encounters with immigration authorities.

For instance, the Rev. Paul Baxley, executive coordinator of the CBF, noted that pastors were hearing from immigrants and refugees who expressed fear about coming to church. He emphasized that this fear undermines the church’s mission to provide sanctuary and support to all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Legal Arguments

The lawsuit contends that the policy reversal violates the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion. By instilling fear among congregants, the government is effectively hindering religious institutions from practicing their faith and offering support to their communities.

The CBF’s participation in the lawsuit underscores its commitment to religious liberty and the protection of vulnerable populations. Baxley stated, “We see the revocation of the sensitive locations provisions as a deep infringement on the religious liberty of our congregations.”

Broader Implications

The concerns raised by the CBF are shared by other religious organizations. The Interfaith Alliance, for example, has expressed support for the lawsuit, emphasizing that no one should fear for their safety when attending worship services. They argue that the government’s actions constitute intrusive overreach that violates the sanctity of religious spaces.

Additionally, misinformation and rumors about ICE activities have exacerbated fears within immigrant communities. In some cases, false reports of ICE presence at churches have led to decreased attendance and participation in essential services, further isolating vulnerable individuals.

Conclusion

The involvement of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in this lawsuit highlights the tension between immigration enforcement policies and religious freedoms. As legal proceedings continue, the case underscores the importance of balancing national security concerns with the protection of fundamental constitutional rights.