Saint Paul, MN (MARCH 20, 2026) — Today, a federal district court ruled that the United States government must permit faith leaders to offer pastoral care to individuals held by ICE at the Whipple Federal Building. The ruling comes after Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing LLP filed a lawsuit against the government, on behalf of faith leaders, for violating the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act by denying faith leaders the ability to provide pastoral care to people in custody at the Whipple Federal Building.
Judge Jerry Blackwell affirmed the First Amendment rights of faith leaders and ruled that the government cannot categorically bar faith leaders from offering pastoral care.
"Today the court made clear that the First Amendment still applies when the government takes people into custody. The Constitution does not bend to government convenience," said Chelsea Walcker, Chief Legal Officer of Groundwork Legal. "Religious freedom is sacrosanct, and the federal government has no right to shut out faith leaders offering pastoral care, or wall off people it is detaining from prayer and religious support."
The complaint was filed on behalf of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), and Father Christopher Collins, SJ, a Jesuit priest.
"Lifting up the dignity and humanity of God's beloveds is vital always, and particularly in times like these when so much seeks to diminish us, to break us down, and to tear us apart," said Bishop Jen Nagel of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "This decision reaffirms the humanity of those who are detained and facing fear, isolation, and crisis: our lives have worth, our souls have value."
Erin Westbrook, a partner at Saul Ewing said, "For our clients, ministering to people who are detained is not optional—it is a core expression of their faith and a constitutionally protected exercise of religion. It is vital that they be able to provide pastoral care at the Whipple building at a time when those detained are experiencing profound fear, uncertainty, and isolation. We are pleased that the Court made clear the government cannot stand in the way of that ministry."
Judge Blackwell issued a preliminary injunction ordering the federal government to allow faith leaders to offer pastoral care to individuals held by ICE at the Federal Whipple Building while the case proceeds.
"The Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ is overjoyed at the court’s decision to allow faith leaders into the Whipple building to provide pastoral care, support and spiritual nurture," said Rev. Kelly Gallagher, Associate Conference Minister. "It is society and politicians that have made such actions as visiting the imprisoned, feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger political. For us they have always been unequivocal matters of faith."
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