When ICE Comes to the Congregation Door

Many congregations have asked the URJ, CCAR and the RAC for guidance on what they should do if ICE or other immigration or law enforcement entities come to the door of the synagogue seeking entry.

We want to emphasize that none of our national entities are in a position of offering formal legal advice to our congregations and none of the attachments below should be read as such. This is particularly true in the face the dynamic nature of the legal, social, and political landscapes on immigration issues and when so many states and localities have different laws, rules, and practices affecting the most effective ways for you to address government action involving your synagogue. We strongly urge you to consult attorneys in your communities and states who can provide you such formal legal advice on what rights or remedies are available to you both in advance of any specific action by the government and should such a situation arise.

Below we have provided links to some policies and practices in Jewish and other religious communities about what they suggest both to provide a point of reference and to advance discussion with your own legal counsel.

Examples:

• Legal Enforcement Response Guidelines, adapted from Congregation Shaaray Tefila in New York City
• Justice for Immigrants, "Responding to Immigration Enforcement Efforts"
• Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops, "Know Your Rights." (For Spanish version)

The URJ and CCAR recently have signed on as plaintiffs alongside more than two dozen national faith denominations and associations in a major federal lawsuit challenging the rescission of ICE's longstanding "sensitive locations" policy. Read the URJ's statement about this lawsuit and a press release.