Quaker groups file suit over end of policy restricting ICE arrests in houses of worship
Source: NBC News
an. 27, 2025, 3:00 PM EST
A group of Quaker congregations are suing the Department of Homeland Security for changing a policy that used to forbid Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from conducting immigration enforcement activities in so-called “sensitive locations” like houses of worship, playgrounds, schools and hospitals without approval from supervisors.
The policy, which had been in place under multiple administrations — including during President Donald Trump’s first term — was rescinded last week by the new Trump administration.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal district court in Maryland on Monday, alleges, “The very threat of that [immigration] enforcement deters congregants from attending services, especially members of immigrant communities,” and argues that attending religious services is at the heart of the “guarantee of religious liberty.”
Faith leaders, local officials and educators have objected to the policy reversal, and have been vocal about their opposition, but the suit appears to be the first from a faith-based organization challenging the change in court.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/quaker-groups-file-suit-end-policy-restricting-ice-arrests-houses-wors-rcna189471
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The funny thing about Quakers, they don't actually have "houses of worship."
Their religious services are usually held in private homes, barns, backyards, or other private gatherings. Maybe that's why they object to the policy reversal so strenuously. For the most part, Quakers (at least the ones in PA) have supported Chump's policies. I think they're naive, conservative and way-too-trusting of Chump, but the Quakers tend to be slightly gullible about this stuff. (By that I mean, they can't see that he has a hidden agenda.)
I know I'm going to get roasted for this. But that's the way I see it.
A good friend lives in Lancaster and works with Quakers. I've heard many stories through him.
They have "Meeting Houses" (which is not a private "house" but a facility). And there are many all around the Philly metro area including one that has been serving as my voting division the past 10 years or so. They also have a number of schools.
Anything that has "Friends" in the name is them. Their services are "plain".
They were the premiere Abolitionists here in Philly going back to the founding of the country.
One of their oldest here in Philly is the Arch Street Meeting House.
Living Like The 1800s: Arch Street Meeting House
My agency actually held what we call a "District Conference" in there (where all employees would attend including those from our satellite offices)!
They even have an organization called - The Friends Committee on National Legislation and they seem to have jumped all over 45 in protest.
Maybe you are thinking of the Amish or Mennonites?
