Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

PYM Lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security

On January 23, PYM joined our neighbors in New England and Baltimore Yearly Meetings as plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Homeland Security. The suit challenges an immigration enforcement decision that interferes with and could significantly impact freedom of religion.

On February 24, the U.S. District Court of Maryland issued an order blocking the Trump administration’s policy enabling immigration officials to enter houses of worship indiscriminately to conduct immigration enforcement operations. Friends can read the full order here, and read Democracy Forward’s post about it here.

Please find additional information about this lawsuit below.

Update from the General Secretary

Update from the General Secretary

Thursday,  December 18, 2025

News on the lawsuit:

On Friday, December 12, a hearing was held on the government’s motion for partial dismissal of the suit filed against the Department of Homeland Security, in which Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is one of the co-plaintiffs. The government argued that the Administrative Procedure Act claim should be dismissed because the DHS memo is not a final agency action subject to judicial review. Judge Chuang did not rule from the bench, and an opinion is pending.
 
Even if the portion of the claim based on the Administrative Procedure Act is dismissed, the preliminary injunction based on First Amendment claims remains in effect. That injunction continues to bar immigration enforcement at or near the houses of worship of the plaintiffs. Friends are encouraged to continue using the resources shared on What To Do If ICE Shows Up At Your Quaker Meeting and to help their monthly meeting develop a plan for how to respond if ICE attempts to enter a meeting building.
 
I will continue to share updates as they happen. If you have any questions or concerns about these resources or the lawsuit in general, please contact the office of the general secretary at CFilauro@pym.org or at (215) 241-7234.

Read Past Updates here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of the Lawsuit
PYM being, represented pro bono by Democracy Forward, alongside other yearly meetings, monthly meetings, and religious groups are challenging a policy that allows immigration enforcement near houses of worship. Quakers have historically defended religious freedom, and this case continues that work. Read the full story.
PYM’s decision process
On January 20th, the president signed an executive order allowing ICE agents to enter places of worship to detain immigrants, overturning a decades-old policy protecting “sensitive places.”

Between January 17th and the morning of the 21st, Christie Duncan-Tessmer, general secretary of PYM, attended meetings with attorneys, the Clerks Group, and general secretaries of other yearly meetings to discuss options.

The decision to participate was unusual, requiring an immediate response and legal confidentiality. The Joint Council of PYM was positioned to support the yearly meeting in making this decision. Read the full story.

Quaker Meetings & ICE
As a community rooted in worship and witness, Quaker Meetings should be prepared if ICE or law enforcement officials arrive at a meetinghouse. There are many ways we can provide support and be in solidarity and live out our testimonies. Learn more here // View the Fact Sheet here.
How meetings can take action
Friends and meetings want to be able to support the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. While there is not a direct role, such as joining the suit, there are a number of important things that can be done. Learn more here. Meetings can also take action beyond the scope of the suit. Learn more here

News about the DHS Lawsuit

  • Press Release | Democracy Forward Takes Action to Stop Reported Holiday Raids on Houses of Worship
    on November 25, 2025

    Coalition Files Notice After Reports Emerge of Renewed Threats of Immigration Raids Boston, MA –  A coalition of faith-based organizations and houses of worship filed a notice with the U.S. District Court of

  • Minute of Intent to Protect from West Chester Friends Meeting
    on May 22, 2025

    West Chester Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) We invite you to read this statement, consider it prayerfully among your meeting or congregation, and take a similar

  • Share Your Minutes!
    on May 15, 2025

    Friends are sharing minutes that express solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities; reflect on the Department of Homeland Security lawsuit; address unjust incarceration; and

  • Love Thy Neighbor Walk
    on May 1, 2025

    Authorship attributed to Christie Duncan-Tessmer Because of our lawsuit, organizations that support immigrants in Philadelphia have reached out to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to be in relationship. One of the things

  • Quaker Walk to Washington | Frequently Asked Questions
    on April 30, 2025

    Beginning May 4, a group of New York City Quakers from Brooklyn Monthly Meeting’s Peace and Social Action committee will be leading The Quaker Walk to Washington, An Interfaith Pilgrimage

See More →

 

 

Minutes of Support from Meetings

See More →

 

Press Coverage

For more information or additional questions, please contact Nikki Mosgrove, Presiding Clerk of PYM, at nmosgrove@pym.org, or Chris Mohr, General Secretary of PYM, at cmohr@pym.org.

 

Update your contact & Meeting information at pym.org/updates

© 2026 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting · Privacy Policy