MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Clergy groups in Minnesota are asking a federal judge to order ICE to allow in-person pastoral visits for immigrants held in a Minneapolis federal building. Judge Jerry Blackwell is to hear arguments Friday (March 20, 2026) on access to the building in Minneapolis. Lutheran, Uni ted Church of Christ, and Catholic leaders say Immigration and Customs Enforcement has blocked clergy from providing sacraments and other spiritual care. They say the restrictions violate the Constitution and a federal religious freedom law. The government says the enforcement surge officially ended in February and restrictions have eased since. ICE calls the building a short-term holding facility, and not the kind of long-term detention center where more clergy visits are allowed. ...read more read less