Sanctuary Protected

Judge blocks policy enabling immigration officials to enter houses of worship indiscriminately to conduct immigration enforcement operations

A legal challenge filed by Baltimore Yearly Meeting and several other yearly and monthly meetings celebrates a positive step this week toward preventing indiscriminate immigration enforcement in places of worship. The U.S. District Court of Maryland granted a preliminary injunction, blocking the Trump administration's recent policy that would allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into Meetinghouses.

While this protection currently applies only to the named plaintiffs, including BYM, Richmond, Adelphi, Philadelphia, and New England Yearly Meetings, it is a hopeful sign. We are reminded that the right to worship without fear is a fundamental truth. And it means that, as a member of BYM, Stony Run and Friends Church Baltimore are covered by this protection.

Though temporary, this ruling strengthens our path forward, and the path of others seeking similar justice. Let us continue to hold fast to our testimonies and seek a world where all are safe.

For more information, please view this press release.

For ways you may be able to provide support, please visit this post by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.