Dear LWVCNM Members,

I am forwarding this notice to make you aware of an action taking place and a lawsuit filed by 27 plaintiffs seeking an injunction against the decision of the Trump Administratration to rescind the Department of Homeland Security memo known as the "sensitive locations" memo. We have several members concerned about Immigration that might find this informative.  Starlyn Brown, President LWVCNM

You are invited to attend the "Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces Interfaith Prayer Vigil" on Thursday, April 3, at 4:30pm Mountain Time (6:30 pm Eastern Time), at National City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, DC. This is a hybrid event. You may register to attend online using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/mr3xdv58

Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces Prayer Vigil tinyurl.com

 Together, we will gather in solidarity, lifting prayers for justice, compassion, and the protection of immigrant communities. All are welcome to stand with us in this moment of faith and resolve.

This vigil is taking place on the eve of the hearing on April 4 in U.S. District Court in Washington, DC, of the case of Mennonite Church USA et al v. Department of Homeland Security et al. The 27 plaintiffs are seeking an injunction against the decision of the Trump Administratration to rescind the Department of Homeland Security memo known as the "sensitive locations" memo. The plaintiffs include The Episcopal Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Mennonite Church USA, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Friends General Conference, the Church of the Brethren, The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, several Jewish organizations, several bodies of the United Methodist Church, a conference of the United Church of Christ, and several state councils of churches. See attached complaint. 

The "sensitive locations" memo, in effect since 2011 (including during the first Trump administration), barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting raids in houses of worship, medical facilities, and educational institutions. Lifting this restriction is part of the current administration's plan for mass detentions and deportations of immigrants. Although the injunction, if granted by the court, would only apply to houses of worship of the plaintiffs, it would send a message that protecting the sanctity of places of worship is an important value in our society. An injunction would signal that failure to respect houses of worship would be an attack on people of faith being able to practice our faith, including welcoming the stranger (Matthew 25: 35).