The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Oct. 20 allowed a multifaith coalition to continue challenging a Trump administration policy governing immigration arrests at sensitive locations.

A divided panel overturned an April 2025 ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which had found that the coalition lacked standing to bring the case. The coalition filed its lawsuit in 2025 and represents 27 Jewish and Christian denominations and organizations.

The policy at issue rescinded restrictions that had governed Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions at sensitive locations for more than three decades. Those locations include houses of worship, schools and hospitals. The previous policy also covered sensitive events, including weddings and funerals, and required supervisor approval for immigration enforcement arrests at certain locations and events.

The Trump administration rescinded the policy shortly after President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025.

Kelsi Brown Corkran, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, said the appellate decision acknowledged harm that religious communities experienced after the policy was withdrawn.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs. Rev. Carlos L. Malave said, “Our faith calls us to persevere in doing good.”

A separate federal lawsuit led to an order blocking enforcement operations in houses of worship for Quakers and other religious groups covered by that case. The Oct. 20 ruling concerns whether the larger coalition may continue its challenge.