Religious Groups Sue Over ICE Arrests at Churches

Lawsuit claims policy allowing immigration enforcement at places of worship violates religious freedom

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:11pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty church sanctuary with pews and an altar, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solemnity and contemplation.The lawsuit alleges that the threat of ICE raids has forced religious institutions to divert resources away from their core spiritual mission.Salt Lake City Today

A group of religious organizations in Salt Lake City, Utah have filed a lawsuit challenging a policy that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to make arrests at churches and other places of worship. The lawsuit alleges that this policy infringes on the ability of religious groups to freely administer to migrants and practice their faith without interference.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and religious liberty, as places of worship have become a flashpoint for these competing priorities. Religious leaders argue that the ICE policy deters undocumented immigrants from seeking spiritual guidance and humanitarian aid at their institutions, undermining their core religious mission.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of faith-based organizations, including the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, and several Protestant churches. They claim the ICE policy violates the First Amendment's protections for the free exercise of religion. The groups say the threat of immigration raids has forced them to divert resources away from their religious activities in order to protect undocumented immigrants who seek sanctuary at their facilities.

  • The lawsuit was filed in April 2026.

The players

Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

A Roman Catholic diocese serving the Salt Lake City metropolitan area.

Episcopal Diocese of Utah

The Episcopal diocese covering the state of Utah.

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What they’re saying

“We must be able to welcome the stranger and minister to all people without fear of immigration enforcement actions disrupting our sacred spaces and religious activities.”

— Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

What’s next

The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court, with a hearing scheduled for June 2026 to determine if the policy violates the plaintiffs' constitutional rights.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing clash between the government's immigration enforcement priorities and the religious community's duty to provide sanctuary and spiritual guidance to all, regardless of immigration status. The outcome could set an important precedent for the boundaries of religious freedom when it comes to interactions with federal immigration authorities.