Overview
- U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell granted an injunction requiring in-person clergy visits for all detainees at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building.
- He found the faith leaders likely to succeed on the merits and ruled that limits on ministry caused irreparable harm to religious exercise.
- The order instructs DHS and clergy to meet within four business days to craft access procedures accounting for security, with a plan due in seven business days.
- Government attorneys argued the case was moot because Operation Metro Surge ended and visits resumed, but the judge cited the lack of a formal policy guaranteeing access.
- In a parallel case, Judge Nancy Brasel’s temporary order improving attorney access remains in effect as plaintiffs seek a preliminary injunction, with the government reporting shorter average holds of one to three hours while detainees and lawyers describe continuing limits on calls, meetings, and transfers.