ICE Bars Pastors From Visiting and Praying for Detainees at Detention Centre, Citing Security Concerns

A federal detention centre in Minnesota is being sued after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly blocked pastors from providing spiritual care to detained immigrants.

The Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, named after a 19th-century advocate for non-citizens' rights, claims the government is violating the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by denying in-person pastoral visits.

Faith leaders argue the restrictions prevent them from offering essential guidance, prayer, and religious rites to detainees facing fear and isolation.

Alleged Interference With Religious Practice

The lawsuit, filed this week in federal court, is brought by the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Father Christopher Collins, a Jesuit priest.

According to Law & Crime, it claims ICE and its parent agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have repeatedly barred faith leaders from entering the building to provide care, citing 'security' and 'safety' concerns.

In one instance, Father Collins attempted to pray for a detained mother. But he was prevented from entering the parking lot entirely. Another clergyperson tried to administer ashes for Ash Wednesday but was redirected to a waiting room and denied access. An ICE agent claimed, without evidence, that detainees 'could become agitated.'

The complaint says these restrictions disrupt central religious duties, especially as many detainees have no criminal history and are confined under harsh conditions.

Plaintiffs argue that pastoral visits are integral to their faith and that denying access substantially burdens their free exercise of religion.

Detainees of 'Operation Metro Surge'

The Whipple building has housed hundreds of immigrants detained during ICE operations in the Twin Cities.

Last December, a large-scale campaign known as 'Operation Metro Surge' swept through Minneapolis and St. Paul. It brought thousands of federal agents to detain immigrants.

According to the lawsuit, the number of federal agents exceeded local law enforcement, creating high-security environments that ICE used to justify limiting access for clergy.

Faith leaders say these sweeping measures have disproportionately restricted the ability to provide spiritual guidance at a time when detainees may be experiencing trauma from family separation and prolonged confinement.

What the Lawsuit Demands

The lawsuit claims the actions violate the First Amendment's protection of free religious exercise, as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a 1993 law that provides additional protections for practising faith.

Plaintiffs are requesting a court order to allow regular in-person pastoral visits and a clear system for scheduling urgent religious rites.

They argue that such access is not only a matter of faith but also of humanitarian concern. Providing comfort to those in distress is upholding the legacy of the building's namesake, who advocated for the dignity and rights of non-citizens.

Is the Lawsuit Going Forward?

While ICE cites safety concerns, the lawsuit suggests these restrictions may unnecessarily hinder the spiritual and emotional well-being of detainees. The court's ruling could set a precedent for how pastoral care is accommodated in federal facilities across the United States.

For now plaintiffs push for an expedited hearing, arguing that spiritual care should not be collateral damage in immigration enforcement operations.

If the court sides with the faith leaders, it could order injunctive relief. This means ICE would have to allow regular in-person pastoral visits and create a clear process for urgent religious care. Monetary damages are less likely because RFRA primarily allows equitable relief rather than large payouts.

However, the court could award nominal damages or legal costs, covering attorney fees for the plaintiffs.