1. United States
2. Letter

I am writing to express grave concern over the recent expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations into traditionally protected spaces—courthouses, schools, and places of worship. These actions raise significant constitutional questions regarding due process, equal protection, and the free exercise of religion. In 2025, ICE conducted 189 courthouse arrests, a sharp increase from previous years. Notably, the arrest of Wisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan for allegedly assisting an undocumented immigrant has intensified debates over immigration enforcement in courthouses. Critics argue that such actions deter public access to justice and strain state-federal relations. The administration’s decision to rescind prior protections for sensitive locations has also impacted schools. Educators and families express fear over potential ICE raids on campuses, leading to increased anxiety among students and staff. School districts are implementing protocols to handle encounters with federal immigration authorities, emphasizing the need to protect students’ rights and well-being. Furthermore, the reversal of policies safeguarding places of worship has led to ICE operations in churches and other religious institutions. Faith groups argue that these actions infringe upon their First Amendment rights and disrupt their ability to serve immigrant communities. Legal challenges have been filed, asserting that such enforcement activities violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. I urge the Court to scrutinize these developments and reaffirm the constitutional protections that safeguard individual rights and liberties. Upholding the rule of law requires ensuring that enforcement actions do not undermine the foundational principles of our democracy.