Federal Court Protects Religious Ministry at Whipple ICE Detention Center
In a significant win for religious freedom, a federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction requiring the U.S. government to allow faith leaders access to provide pastoral care to individuals detained by ICE at the Whipple Federal Building in Saint Paul.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Saul Ewing LLP and Groundwork Legal, representing a coalition of religious organizations and leaders. The suit alleged that the government violated the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by categorically barring clergy from ministering to those in custody.
Key Highlights of the Ruling
The Injunction: Judge Jerry Blackwell ordered the federal government to immediately cease blocking faith leaders from offering spiritual support while the case continues.
Constitutional Mandate: The court reaffirmed that the government cannot suspend the First Amendment for the sake of "administrative convenience."
The Plaintiffs: The legal action was brought on behalf of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), and Father Christopher Collins, SJ.
Perspectives from the Legal and Faith Communities
"Religious freedom is sacrosanct, and the federal government has no right to shut out faith leaders... or wall off people it is detaining from prayer and religious support." — Chelsea Walcker, Chief Legal Officer of Groundwork Legal
The Legal View Erin Westbrook, a partner at Saul Ewing, emphasized that for these clients, ministering to the detained is a core religious obligation. The firm’s pro bono efforts focused on ensuring that "profound fear and isolation" are not exacerbated by government-imposed barriers to faith.
The Faith View Bishop Jen Nagel (ELCA) and Rev. Kelly Gallagher (UCC) both hailed the decision as a restoration of dignity. They noted that while immigration remains a political flashpoint, the act of "visiting the imprisoned" remains an unequivocal mandate of their faith.
Why This Matters
This decision sets a vital precedent for ICE detention centers nationwide, signaling that the federal government’s authority over detainees does not grant it the power to sever their connection to religious ministry and pastoral care.
Source - https://www.saul.com/insights/press-release/saul-assists-preliminary-injunction-faith-leaders
Photo of a Claretian priest trying to enter ICE Facility : by Bryan Sebastian courtesy of Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership
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