A sign that prohibits the entrance of ICE or Homeland Security is posted at a church in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
"That evidence suggests that congregants are staying home to avoid encountering ICE in their own neighborhoods, not because churches or synagogues are locations of elevated risk," Friedrich wrote in her opinion.
The policy at the center of the lawsuit took effect Jan. 20, Trump’s first day back in office.
On that day, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded an Obama-era guideline that had discouraged ICE agents from making arrests in "sensitive locations," including schools, hospitals and places of worship. Under the new rule, ICE officers no longer need special approval to act at these locations as long as they apply "common sense" and "discretion."
Religious leaders said that change went against more than three decades of precedent, which aimed to protect immigrants and other vulnerable populations from being targeted at sacred or essential community spaces.
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President Donald Trump speaks during an event on energy production in the East Room of the White House April 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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Friedrich’s decision means the current policy will remain in place as the lawsuit proceeds.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jasmine is a writer at Fox News Digital and a military spouse based in New Orleans. Stories can be sent to jasmine.baehr@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-win-judge-ice-enforcement-churches-places-worship