Office of Peacebuilding and Policy shares update on Mennonite USA v. DHS

By Marcia Sowles

On Sept. 22, the Church of the Brethren and other plaintiffs filed their opening brief in their appeal of the district court’s decision denying their motion for a preliminary injunction in Mennonite USA v. DHS.

In this case, called Mennonite USA v. DHS, the Church of the Brethren joined 26 other denominations and associations to challenge the Department of Homeland Security’s rescission of its three-decade-old policy restricting immigration enforcement actions at or near houses of worship.

The motion for preliminary injunction was supported by 66 declarations from the plaintiffs, including a declaration by David Steele, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, and two Church of the Brethren pastors. The declarations explained how congregations with immigrant members have seen a significant decline in worship attendance and participation in social services as a result of the new policy.

The government’s brief is currently due on Oct. 22.

Previous Newsline reports on this case offer more information:

Feb 11, “More than two dozen Christian and Jewish denominations and associations—including the Church of the Brethren—sue to protect religious freedoms,” www.brethren.org/news/2025/suit-to-protect-religious-freedoms

Feb. 28, “Church of the Brethren general secretary’s declaration filed alongside dozens of others in motion for preliminary injunction of policy on sensitive sites,” www.brethren.org/news/2025/general-secretarys-declaration-filed

April 16, “Judge denies preliminary injunction in sensitive locations lawsuit,” www.brethren.org/news/2025/judge-denies-preliminary-injunction