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Judge Grants Clergy Access to Detainees Amid Rights Lawsuit

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell issued a preliminary injunction granting clergy access to Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis to minister to detainees.
Faith leaders sued the Department of Homeland Security, citing First Amendment rights violations.
The ruling follows concerns about detainee treatment during Trump administration's immigration enforcement and notes irreparable harm from denying pastoral care, while religious leaders celebrate.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell issued a preliminary injunction granting clergy access to Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis to minister to detainees.
Faith leaders sued the Department of Homeland Security, citing First Amendment rights violations.
The ruling follows concerns about detainee treatment during Trump administration's immigration enforcement and notes irreparable harm from denying pastoral care, while religious leaders celebrate.