Past Updates from the General Secretary
Thursday, February 13, 2025
- This morning the lawyers met with the judge for oral arguments on an emergency relief request. The hearing was not one that Friends could attend so Democracy Forward is keeping us updated. The hearing was much longer than expected. The court declined to rule from the bench but indicated he would issue an opinion shortly. This page will be updated when we hear back.
- TThe attorneys at Democracy Forward filed an amended complaint which added three new plaintiffs. We are now joined by our neighbor, New York Yearly Meeting, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and the Sikh Temple Sacramento. The new complaint explains how welcoming immigrants is important to these plaintiffs too and show how they too are harmed by DHS’s policy.
- A second lawsuit has been filed in opposition to the rescission of ICE’s sensitive locations policy and Friends General Conference is part of it. Read about it in Friends Journal. The suit is brought by a multifaith coalition and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP). They bring this suit unified on a fundamental belief: Every human being, regardless of birthplace, is a child of God worthy of dignity, care, and love.
- TPrior to filing for emergency relief the attorneys made a request directly to the Departement of Homeland Security that they freeze their change in policy for the moment. The government declined.
- TThe General Secretary made contact with an immigration lawyer who has worked with us in the past on personnel needs. In the event we need legal advice or support, we have this resource in place.
