Trump Sued By Quaker Organizations Over Essential ICE Raids

Quaker organizations are taking legal action against the Trump administration over immigration raids in religious spaces, challenging a policy they claim violates their First Amendment rights.

Can’t they just accept that illegal aliens pose a risk to the country and they must be deported?

At a Glance

  • Quakers sue Trump administration over directive allowing ICE raids in places of worship
  • Lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court of Maryland, represented by Democracy Forward
  • Trump administration rescinded Biden-era policy barring arrests in sensitive areas
  • Quakers argue the directive infringes on religious freedom and deters immigrant congregants
  • DHS defends policy as necessary for enforcing immigration laws and capturing criminals

Quakers Challenge Trump’s Immigration Policy

A coalition of Quaker organizations has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting its revised immigration enforcement policy that now includes religious spaces as permissible venues for raids. The legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court of Maryland, argues that this policy infringes on the First Amendment rights of religious groups, specifically the freedom to worship and provide sanctuary.

Isn’t it amazing how many people out there seem to be just fine with illegal criminal aliens roaming our streets and endangering our citizens?

The directive, issued by former acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman, rescinded guidelines that previously prevented law enforcement actions in “sensitive” areas such as churches, schools, and hospitals. This move has sparked concerns over potential disruptions to religious practices and the safety of communities seeking refuge.

The Quaker communities claim that the directive sows fear within migrant-friendly congregations and contradicts their religious beliefs. They argue that the presence of armed agents during religious services would burden their religious exercise and deter immigrant congregants from attending.

“Welcoming and worshiping with all people, including immigrants, is a fundamental element of our religious exercise,” the Richmond Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends stated in court documents.

The lawsuit highlights the historical role of Quakers in protecting religious liberty and seeks swift court action to halt the policy. Backed by the Democracy Forward Foundation, the Quakers urge the courts to recognize the constitutional implications and curtail the administration’s approach.

Administration’s Defense

The Trump administration has since defended the directive, arguing that it allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to effectively enforce immigration laws and apprehend criminal aliens. A DHS spokesperson emphasized the importance of this policy change.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murders and rapists — who have illegally come into our country,” a DHS Spokesperson said.

The administration maintains that the directive is necessary for national security and public safety, stating that it trusts law enforcement to use common sense in their operations.

This lawsuit represents the first religious group challenge to the order and names DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as a defendant.

We should probably prepare for a lot more of this nonsense.