Immigration and Place of Worship

A Federal judge in Maryland issued an order blocking ICE from entering houses of worship stating that unless the officer had a warrant or faced exigent circumstances, the “sensitive location policy” should be restored.  

As of March of 2025, ICE must comply with a court order and respect and comply with the 2021 Mayorkas memorandum which lists a couple of places such as place of worship, medical facilities, and others as examples of protected areas. This memorandum serves as guidelines for enforcement actions in or near protected areas, and points out that absent exigent circumstances, the Agent or Officer should obtain prior approval. However, a prior approval is not required if the action involves a national security threat, imminent risk of death or circumstances such as these. “This guidance is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter.” (2021 Mayorkas Memorandum).