Feds Accused of Barring Faith Leaders from Providing Pastoral Care to Detainees at Minnesota Facility

Lawsuit alleges violation of First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act at Bishop Henry Whipple Building

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security accuses federal agents at the Bishop Henry Whipple Building in Minneapolis of barring faith leaders from offering prayer and pastoral guidance to detainees. The lawsuit claims this violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns over the treatment of detainees and the ability of faith leaders to provide spiritual care and comfort, which is seen as a fundamental right. It also raises questions about the conditions and operations at the Whipple Building, which has faced scrutiny over its treatment of those in custody.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing on behalf of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Father Christopher Collins, a Jesuit priest. It accuses the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Kristi Noem, and ICE Head Todd Lyons of denying faith leaders access to the Whipple Building to provide pastoral care to detainees.

  • In December, Father Christopher Collins attempted to enter the Whipple Building to pray for a woman but was blocked.
  • Last week on Ash Wednesday, a reverend was denied access to provide care and impose ashes.
  • As recently as Monday morning, a clergy member was denied access to the facility.

The players

Groundwork Legal

The law firm representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Saul Ewing

The law firm co-representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ

One of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Father Christopher Collins

A Jesuit priest and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Constitutional rights do not disappear at the doors of the Whipple. The way we treat those in detention or facing deportation is one of the true litmus tests of our democracy. Pastoral care allows for detainees to be treated with humanity, instead of being treated like inventory.”

— Irina Vaynerman, CEO of Groundwork Legal (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to grant a preliminary injunction to allow faith leaders access to the Whipple Building to provide pastoral care to detainees.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tensions over the treatment of immigrants and detainees, and the importance of upholding constitutional rights and providing humane conditions, even for those facing deportation. The ability of faith leaders to offer spiritual comfort and guidance is seen as a fundamental right that should not be denied, even in detention facilities.