Judge Bars ICE From Conducting Warrantless Church Raids

Judge F. Dennis Saylor of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction on February 13, 2026, barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from conducting warrantless raids at specific houses of worship. The ruling allows for such operations only in cases of a true emergency.

The court order follows a July 2025 lawsuit filed by several faith groups, including the Metropolitan Community Churches, American Baptist Churches USA, Alliance of Baptists, and regional synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. These plaintiffs argued that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by rescinding a 2011 policy that protected sensitive locations.

The injunction prohibits enforcement actions inside churches, at entrances, and within religious education or social-service facilities. It further extends protection to adjacent church property and checkpoints located within 100 feet of church entrances.

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin contested the ruling. She denied that ICE raids churches and characterized the court's order as being based on a false narrative.