Charlotte religious community rally for protection of congregants

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Two Charlotte-area religious organizations are among 27 groups suing the Trump administration over its decision to revoke a policy that protected certain community spaces from immigration arrests.

The lawsuit, filed on Monday, February 10, includes the African American Episcopal Zion Church, located on West Sugar Creek Road in Charlotte, and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, based in Huntersville. The suit names several government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Acting Commissioner Pete Flores, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ICE’s Acting Director Caleb Vitello.

The legal action follows the administration’s decision to rescind a 2021 policy that had protected certain locations, including places of worship, from immigration enforcement actions such as arrests and raids, except in special circumstances.

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The original policy recognized the potential harm of immigration actions in sensitive spaces like shelters, emergency services, and religious institutions, noting that enforcement actions in these places could deter vulnerable individuals—such as noncitizens or children—from seeking essential services, like medical care or food.

With the policy reversal, faith-based organizations have expressed concern that their congregants, particularly those with uncertain immigration status, may fear attending services or using social services due to the threat of deportation. These groups argue that churches now face a difficult choice between risking immigration enforcement at their services or implementing security measures that undermine their religious mission of offering welcome and hospitality.