Case: Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

0:26-cv-01576 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Feb. 23, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

Plaintiffs are the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Father Christopher Collins represent congregations and clergy across Minnesota. As a part of  "Operation Metro Surge," the federal government is currently using the Bishop Henry Whipple Building, a Minnesota church, to hold Minnesotans detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The plaintiffs brought this complaint against the government for…

Plaintiffs are the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Father Christopher Collins represent congregations and clergy across Minnesota. As a part of  "Operation Metro Surge," the federal government is currently using the Bishop Henry Whipple Building, a Minnesota church, to hold Minnesotans detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The plaintiffs brought this complaint against the government for barring faith leaders from providing pastoral care to individuals in ICE detention, claiming that the federal government is unconstitutionally obstructing the free exercise of religion. The denial of the plaintiff's ability to freely administer religious services would be  in violation of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act if it does not advance any compelling government interest, nor constitute the least restrictive means of furthering any alleged compelling government interest. Represented by attorneys from Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing LLP, the case was filed in the District of Minnesota and has been assigned to Judge Jerry W. Blackwell.

On February 23, the plaintiff's moved for a preliminary injunction that would require the government to develop procedures to allow detainees access to faith services.

On March 20, 2026, the court heard oral arguments regarding the preliminary injunction and issued an order granting the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction in part and denying it in part. The court stated its reasoning on the record, rather than explaining it in the order, but based on the prior proceedings, it ordered the defendants to remove the access protocol for the Whipple facility that bars clergy visits without regard to whether visits could safely occur, to develop and implement a written protocol that establishes a workable process for clergy access to the facility which provides clergy a reasonable opportunity to provide in-person pastoral care and which provides for responses to access requests within a reasonable time. The court declined to require the defendants to permit physical contact or group ministry, and did not prescribe any particular method for scheduling, communication, or coordination. The court further ordered the parties to file a joint status report by April 2, 2026 that includes either a proposed access protocol or competing protocols. 

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Jinan Abufarha (3/2/2026)

Sofia Yoder (3/28/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72314250/parties/minneapolis-area-synod-of-the-evangelical-lutheran-church-in-america-v/


Attorney for Plaintiff
Attorney for Defendant

Fuller, David W (Minnesota)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Cherry, Mark J. (Minnesota)

Chester, Martin S (Minnesota)

Garnick, Adam J. (Minnesota)

Goldman, Lauren R. (Minnesota)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

0:26-cv-01576

Complaint

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

Complaint
57

0:26-cv-01576

Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction

March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72314250/minneapolis-area-synod-of-the-evangelical-lutheran-church-in-america-v/

Last updated March 28, 2026, 5 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (filing fee $ 405, receipt number AMNDC-12714967) filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

(Text-Only) CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Jerry W. Blackwell per Civil (3rd, 4th - Civil Rights) list, referred to Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. Please use case number 26-cv-1576 (JWB/DTS).Notice: All Nongovernmental Corporate Parties must file a Rule 7.1 Corporate Disclosure Statement. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

3

Summons Issued as to Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

4

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

5

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

6

MEMORANDUM in Support re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 2 Exhibit(s) 1, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 3 Exhibit(s) A - Declaration of Father Collins, SJ, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 4 Exhibit(s) B - Declaration of Bishop Jennifer Nagel, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 5 Exhibit(s) C - Declaration of Rev. Melissa Gonzalez, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 6 Exhibit(s) D - Declaration of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 7 Exhibit(s) E - Declaration of Rev. Susie Hayward)(Westbrook, Erin) Modified text on 2/23/2026 (ACH). (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

7

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 4 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

8

EXHIBIT 1 re 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

9

Declaration in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

10

Declaration of Bishop Jennifer Nagel in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

11

Declaration of Rev. Melissa Gonzalez in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

12

Declaration of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

RECAP
13

Declaration of Rev. Susie Hayward in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

RECAP
14

(Text-Only) Notice re: Non-Admitted AttorneyWe have received documents listing Maxwell Bremer as counsel of record. If he or she wishes to be listed as an attorney of record in this case, he or she must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (a), (b) and (c) or temporarily admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (d) or (e).For more admissions information and forms, please see the Attorney Forms Section of the courts website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

15

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation owning 10 percent or more of its stock, or any subsidiaries to report for Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

16

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation owning 10 percent or more of its stock, or any subsidiaries to report for Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

17

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Date and time to be determined. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Feb. 23, 2026

Feb. 23, 2026

RECAP
18

ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEET AND CONFER, AND DIRECTING EVIDENTIARY SUBMISSIONS. (See Order for Complete Details.) Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 2/25/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

Feb. 25, 2026

Feb. 25, 2026

19

NOTICE of Appearance by David W Fuller on behalf of Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Fuller, David) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

Feb. 25, 2026

Feb. 25, 2026

20

AFFIDAVIT of Service by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 15 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 3 Summons Issued, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested, 10 Declaration in Support, 16 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 12 Declaration in Support, 9 Declaration in Support, 8 Exhibit, 11 Declaration in Support, 13 Declaration in Support, 7 Meet and Confer Statement, 5 Proposed Order to Judge, 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, 1 Complaint, 17 Notice of Hearing on Motion upon U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

21

AFFIDAVIT of Service by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 15 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 3 Summons Issued, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested, 10 Declaration in Support, 16 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 12 Declaration in Support, 9 Declaration in Support, 8 Exhibit, 11 Declaration in Support, 13 Declaration in Support, 7 Meet and Confer Statement, 5 Proposed Order to Judge, 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, 1 Complaint, 17 Notice of Hearing on Motion via Certified Mail upon U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, U.S. Federal Protective Service, and Faron K. Paramore (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

22

AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 7A (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

Feb. 26, 2026

Feb. 26, 2026

23

(Text-Only) NOTICE of Resetting of Hearing: Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. THIS IS A COURTROOM LOCATION CHANGE ONLY. (CRD) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

March 4, 2026

March 4, 2026

24

NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine S Barrett Wiik on behalf of Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Barrett Wiik, Katherine) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

March 4, 2026

March 4, 2026

25

AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

26

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

27

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 26 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

28

Amicus Curiae APPEARANCE entered by Martin S Chester on behalf of Right Reverend Craig Loya, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Jewish Community Action, Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Minnesota Council of Churches. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

RECAP
29

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Adam Garnick. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766397 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

30

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Katherine Michelle Marquart. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766399 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

31

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Katherine Janes. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766424 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

32

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Lauren Rosenblum Goldman. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766436 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

33

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Mark J. Cherry. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766446 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

34

MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

35

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION : Date and time to be determined. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

36

MEMORANDUM in Support re 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

37

Declaration of Martin Chester in Support of 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C, # 4 Exhibit(s) D, # 5 Exhibit(s) E, # 6 Exhibit(s) F, # 7 Exhibit(s) G, # 8 Exhibit(s) H, # 9 Exhibit(s) I)(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

38

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 34 Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae, filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya.(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

39

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya.(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

40

STATUS REPORT JOINT STATUS REPORT by Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

41

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 26 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/07/2026)

March 7, 2026

March 7, 2026

42

AMENDED BRIEFING SCHEDULE. (See Order for Complete Details.) Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/9/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

43

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 30 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Katherine Michelle Marquart for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

44

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 31 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Katharine Mary Janes for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

45

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 32 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Lauren R. Goldman for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

46

THIRD AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/20/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) Modified text on 3/11/2026 (ABR). (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

47

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 29 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Adam J. Garnick for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, and, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

48

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 33 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Mark J. Cherry for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

March 11, 2026

March 11, 2026

49

STATUS REPORT UPDATED JOINT STATUS REPORT by Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026

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50

NOTICE by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement re 42 Order on Motion for Extension of Time (Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

51

(Text Only) TEXT ORDER. Upon review of the Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae (Doc. No. 34), the Motion is GRANTED, and the Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief (Doc. No. 37-1) is ACCEPTED as providing timely and useful information. The amicus curiae may not file a reply brief or participate in oral argument without court permission. Plaintiffs and Defendants may address any of the matters raised in the amicus brief in their forthcoming written submissions on Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/13/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

52

RESPONSE re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

53

DECLARATION of Tauria Rich re 52 Response, by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) 1, # 2 Exhibit(s) 2)(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

1

View on RECAP

2

View on RECAP

March 16, 2026

March 16, 2026

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54

REPLY re 52 Response, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate

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March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

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55

LR7.1/LR72.2 WORD COUNT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 54 Reply, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

56

(Text-Only) MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/20/2026: Oral Arguments Motion Hearing.Court Reporter: Lori MorrowSt. Paul Courthouse, Courtroom Edward J. Devitt CourtroomTime: 10:07 am - 11:10 amTotal Time: 1 hour 3 minutesAPPEARANCES:For Plaintiff(s): Erin E. Westbrook; Irina Vaynerman; Kaitlin YiraFor Defendant(s): Daivd W. Fuller; Joseph Teirb PROCEEDINGS: Hearing on: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Written order to be issued. (CRD) (Entered: 03/20/2026)

March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

57

Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction

March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

Clearinghouse
58

Notice (Other)

March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Jail Conditions

Special Collection(s):

Operation Metro Surge

Key Dates

Filing Date: Feb. 23, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Father Christopher Collins .

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Faron K. Paramore

Federal Protective Service

Kristi Noem

Marcos Charles

Todd Lyons

United States Department of Homeland Security

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Regional

David Easterwood

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Religious Freedom Rest. Act/Religious Land Use and Inst. Persons Act (RFRA/RLUIPA)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:26-cv-01576

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Detention - conditions

Recommended Citation