In addition to the Maryland case, over two dozen Christian and Jewish groups have filed a separate lawsuit in Washington, D.C., challenging the enforcement policy.

In late January 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new policy rescinding a 2021 rule that limited immigration enforcement in sensitive areas, including places of worship.

The lawsuit, filed shortly after the policy announcement, includes plaintiffs such as Quaker congregations from multiple states, a Baptist church network from Georgia, and a Sikh temple.

Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, emphasized that everyone, regardless of immigration status, should feel safe attending places of worship.

In response, Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit on behalf of various faith-based organizations, aiming to uphold constitutional rights to worship freely.

Aimee Yeager, Communications Director for the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, noted that fear of immigration enforcement has led some community members to avoid these gatherings.

Plaintiffs' attorneys argue that the new policy has instilled fear among immigrants, deterring them from attending religious services and harming congregational wellbeing.

This policy allows immigration agents to conduct operations in religious settings without needing supervisor approval, raising concerns among faith-based organizations.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that the policy could violate the religious freedom of these groups and issued a preliminary injunction blocking its enforcement.

The ruling mandates that immigration agents must obtain a warrant to enforce laws in protected areas, ensuring that any enforcement occurs out of public view.

Narinder Singh Thandi, a representative of the Sikh Temple, expressed that the presence of armed agents in their temple is both disrespectful and frightening for congregants.

The head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, is named in the lawsuit, though her legal team has not provided an immediate comment.