ICE and Immigration Enforcement in Congregations Things You Should Know

In January of 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded a Biden-era policy that protected certain areas—such as churches, school, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement. While the larger moral implications of this order remain in the forefront of our minds, solid information and forward-looking planning are also essential for our congregations.

Practical Guidance for Interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Here are a few questions you may have and some answers for general guidance

What should our congregation’s plan for possible ICE interactions include?

You should consider offering training for workers/volunteers who are likely to be primary respondents in congregational spaces. Also consider analyzing the church’s private and public areas, as ICE cannot go into the private areas of a church without a judicial warrant. Signs clearly indicating the privacy of designated private spaces are a good idea. A template for such a sign is included in this message. Local Churches may also consider hiring a local immigrant advocacy group to train workers and volunteers on how to respond to ICE. If your church is not aware of any such organization, start with your local ACLU for help. Also, identify and consult with an immigration attorney who can be called by church workers or volunteers if ICE shows up. Be sure the attorney’s number is known to church workers and volunteers.

Sign taped to UUA headquarters with the words: Private Space - access limited to religious purposes of the Unitarian Universalist Association

Can ICE agents enter our sanctuaries or worship spaces?

Yes. From a legal perspective, if you understand your worship to be a public event, to which public persons are welcome and invited, ICE agents could theoretically be present in the worship space without a warrant. This is not different than the legal status of worship spaces before the Trump Administration’s Executive Order went into place.

Does ICE need a warrant to enter previously protected areas including our private congregational spaces? 

Yes, but only for places within those areas that are considered private, since the Fourth Amendment protects areas where people have a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” In the context of protected areas, areas open to the public such as lobbies, waiting areas and parking lots are considered public, while interior areas and those marked “private” with a sign are considered private. For immigration enforcement to search or enter a private area within a formerly protected area, the Fourth Amendment requires a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge unless staff at those areas consent to the search. Do not offer such consent.

What if ICE shows a judicial warrant to enter private spaces of our church/community?

ICE must have a judicial warrant to enter private spaces of a church. You may ask to see the warrant before allowing ICE in. A judicial warrant is issued by a court and signed by a judge and describes the location than can be entered with the warrant. It is different from administrative warrants that may be issued by ICE or another federal agency with the name of an individual to be arrested. No one at your church is required to talk to ICE, give ICE agents any information, or say anything about anyone’s immigration status. You should call your church’s immigration attorney before speaking with ICE.

Signage Language for Establishing Private Spaces

You can create your own signs for private spaces using this language:

PRIVATE SPACE

Access limited to religious purposes of 

(your congregation’s name)

Preparing for an ICE Interaction

These curated resources include further details about precautionary actions and preparations your congregation can take, more detail on what kinds of documents ICE agents may have, and more guidance about legal rights and obligations.