Increased Immigration Enforcement Targeting Religious Leaders

U.S. immigration authorities have detained at least 65 religious leaders, including pastors, imams, rabbis, and monks, since January 2025. Of these individuals, 18 have been deported, 30 have been released, and 14 remain in federal custody. One detainee died while in custody in December 2025.

The detained individuals represent a diverse range of immigration statuses, including asylum seekers, lawful permanent residents, and holders of religious worker visas. Enforcement actions have occurred during routine appointments, traffic stops, and airport arrivals. Federal officials maintain that enforcement is based solely on legal status and immigration violations.

Legal challenges have emerged regarding the consistency of these detentions, with some federal courts ruling that authorities failed to provide individualized justifications for re-detention. Advocacy groups are calling for congressional investigations into potential discriminatory motives behind the enforcement operations. The administration continues to implement broader mass deportation policies while simultaneously adjusting visa requirements for religious workers.