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US Policy Generally Precludes Immigration Raids On Churches

By Howard M. Friedman

AP reported yesterday that the unofficial policy of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency is to avoid immigration raids on churches, even though illegal immigrants are using them for sanctuary. The only exception is where immigrants taking sanctuary publicly defy federal authorities in a way that makes enforcement officials look lax in their duties. The same unofficial policy against immigration raids applies to schools and playgrounds. Meanwhile yesterday's New York Times reports on activities of St. Bridget's Roman Catholic Church in Postville, Iowa which is sheltering many immigrant families after a large scale immigration raid on the local Agriprocessors meat packing plant in May. (See prior posting.)

Full post as published by Religion Clause on July 13, 2008 (boomark / email).