The federal government changed an immigration enforcement policy. These Georgia churches are suing

Members of the Decatur-based Cooperative Baptist Fellowship visit the U.S. Capitol in 2024. Immigration and refugee advocacy are one of the group’s priorities. (Roderious Phillips/Good Faith Media)

Two groups of churches in Georgia are suing the federal government for revoking a policy that protected places of worship from immigration enforcement actions. 

Religious leaders say their congregants are scared and leaving pews empty. 

In January, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded the long-held sensitive locations policy, which meant federal law enforcement would operate in or near a house of worship only in rare circumstances.