Gilbert LLP Part of Legal Coalition Representing Religious Groups in Suit Against Trump-Vance Administration Over Immigration Raids at Houses of Worship

July 29, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – On July 28, Gilbert LLP joined with Democracy Forward and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs to file a lawsuit on behalf of a wide range of religious groups over the Trump-Vance Administration’s immigration rescission of long- standing policies prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) enforcement activities at houses of worship and other facilities used by religious organizations in furtherance of their religious activities.  The lawsuit argues that ICE agents have abandoned the long-standing protections against immigration enforcement at houses of worship and other sensitive locations in violation  of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”), and the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”).

Richard Leveridge and Sonia Murphy lead Gilbert’s team, which also includes Sarah Sraders, Samone Ijoma, Brandon Levey, Stephanie Seymour, and Carmen Turner.

Ms. Murphy said, “The First Amendment is the cornerstone of American democracy.  It protects the sanctity of worship, which is the very essence of religious freedom.  Our firm is proud to join with our co-counsel in representing religious groups who seek protection from ICE enforcement actions at or near their houses of worship.  Everyone deserves to feel safe attending worship services.”

Click here to read the Democracy Forward press release.