Clergy Seek Court Order to Restore Pastoral Access at Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building

On March 20, 2026, faith leaders asked a federal judge to compel access for pastoral visits at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, where Minnesota branches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the United Church of Christ and a Catholic priest have filed suit. U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell is scheduled to hear the clergy’s request for an injunction this Friday to require Department of Homeland Security officials to permit prompt, in-person ministry to detainees held at the facility.

The complaint contends the Whipple building, named for Minnesota’s first Episcopal bishop, has become a focal point for what plaintiffs describe as restrictions that deny detainees and clergy basic religious and legal protections. Court filings say clergy were repeatedly refused entry — including on Ash Wednesday — and argue those denials violated constitutional religious freedom and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Government attorneys counter that Operation Metro Surge formally ended on Feb. 12, detentions have decreased, and temporary visitor limits have been relaxed; they say clergy access has been permitted for more than two weeks and that the site functions as a short-term holding facility, with most people transferred within 24 hours.

Supporters of the suit include Catholic and Episcopal bishops, other Christian and Jewish leaders, and the Minnesota Council of Churches. The filings reference ICE visitation policies for facilities holding detainees longer than 72 hours, statements from local ICE official Tauria Rich about case-by-case reviews, earlier litigation that secured clergy entry at a Chicago-area facility, and recent orders ensuring immediate access to counsel for new detainees at Whipple.