Minnesota Faith Groups Sue DHS Over Access to Immigrant Detainees

Lawsuit alleges government is violating religious freedom by denying clergy access to detainees at federal facility

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:34pm

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A group of religious organizations and faith leaders in Minnesota has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging the agency is violating their religious freedom by denying them access to immigrant detainees at a local federal building. The lawsuit claims the government's refusal to allow faith leaders access to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which houses the local offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is a violation of their rights under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the government's immigration enforcement efforts and the religious community's desire to provide pastoral care and spiritual support to immigrant detainees. It raises questions about the balance between national security concerns and the free exercise of religion, as well as the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Jesuit priest Christopher Collins. They allege that clergy have been denied access to the Whipple building, even on religious holidays like Ash Wednesday. The government has claimed the building is a processing facility, not a detention center, and that access is restricted for safety reasons.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • Faith leaders were denied access to the Whipple building as recently as Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The immigration enforcement campaign known as 'Operation Metro Surge' began in Minneapolis in December.

The players

Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A regional body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that represents Lutheran congregations in the Minneapolis area.

Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ

The regional body of the United Church of Christ that represents UCC congregations in Minnesota.

Christopher Collins

A Jesuit priest who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

Jen Nagel

A bishop in the ELCA's Minneapolis Area Synod.

Irina Vaynerman

CEO of Groundwork Legal, one of the law firms representing the plaintiffs.

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What they’re saying

“Pastoral care is the heart and soul of what our Pastors and Deacons are called to provide in their congregations and around the community. We walk together, listening, praying, guiding, and offering the peace and presence of Jesus Christ. This is particularly important during times of stress, grief, isolation, and transition.”

— Jen Nagel, Bishop, ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod

“Pastoral care is not optional for us. It is a sacred duty. Blocking clergy from ministering to people in detention violates their rights and ours. It reveals the contradiction between the government's rhetoric and its actions.”

— Susie Hayward, UCC Minister

“We saw their tears, confusion. For them, their dreams were just about to end, they had to start all over, so you could see the anxiety on their faces — the battle is lost. Our presence, our words, our journeying with them — it was a moment where they could feel that they are not alone. The community is with them. God walks with them.”

— Leandro Fossá

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing conflict between the government's immigration enforcement efforts and the religious community's desire to provide spiritual support and pastoral care to immigrant detainees. It raises important questions about the balance between national security concerns and the free exercise of religion, as well as the treatment of immigrants in detention facilities.