Faith leaders barred from the Whipple Federal Building join lawsuit to defend their rights under the First Amendment and Religious Freedom Restoration Act

(MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.) —Today, Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing filed a lawsuit against the federal government, including the Department of Homeland Security, for unlawfully barring faith leaders from providing pastoral care to Minnesotans detained at the Whipple Federal Building. The lawsuit asserts that ICE’s ongoing refusal to allow faith leaders to meet with Minnesotans detained at the Whipple Federal Building violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and requests that the court grant immediate relief so faith leaders can provide pastoral care to detainees.

Groundwork Legal and Saul Ewing are representing the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ (UCC), and Father Christopher Collins, SJ, a Jesuit priest.

Faith leaders have attempted to provide pastoral care to individuals detained at the Whipple Federal Building since the beginning of Operation Metro Surge.

The ELCA and UCC represent congregations and clergy across Minnesota whose faith compels them to minister to those who are detained, imprisoned, and torn from their families. The federal government has consistently denied faith leaders the ability to provide pastoral care to detainees, including just a few days ago on the Christian holy day of Ash Wednesday. 

“Constitutional rights do not disappear at the doors of the Whipple,” said Irina Vaynerman, CEO of Groundwork Legal. “The way we treat those in detention or facing deportation is one of the true litmus tests of our democracy. Pastoral care allows for detainees to be treated with humanity, instead of being treated like inventory.” 

“Denying faith leaders access to detainees is not only a violation of law, it is a denial of dignity to those whose rights are most at stake,” added Chelsea Walcker, Chief Legal Officer of Groundwork Legal, “We are committed to defending these rights and ensuring that pastoral care is available to all who need it.” 

“Pastoral care is the heart and soul of what our Pastors and Deacons are called to provide in their congregations and around the community. We walk together, listening, praying, guiding, and offering the peace and presence of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Jen Nagel of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA. “This is particularly important during times of stress, grief, isolation, and transition.”

The United States has a long history of allowing faith leaders to provide pastoral care inside of prisons, jails, and holding facilities. The right of clergy and faith leaders to provide this type of ministry is enshrined in the First Amendment and federal statutory law. In February, a federal judge ordered ICE to allow faith leaders in Illinois to give communion to detained immigrants on Ash Wednesday.

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Groundwork Legal is a Minnesota-based public interest law firm dedicated to advancing justice and democracy through impact litigation and innovative legal work. The firm was co-founded by Irina Vaynerman and Chelsea Walcker in January 2025 to protect civil rights, hold institutions accountable, and improve government systems.

Case materials are available here.

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota from sunrise on Wednesday, February 25, 2025, to sunset on Thursday, 26, 2026, in honor and remembrance of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., who passed away at the age of 84. 

“Reverend Jackson spent his life pushing America to live up to its highest ideals,” said Governor Walz. “His fight for civil rights, dignity, and fairness changed our country and will inspire generations to come. Gwen and I extend our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and to all who mourn his passing.” 

Reverend Jackson rose to national prominence in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to advance equality and economic justice. He later founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, expanding opportunities through social justice advocacy and civic engagement, and his work touched Minnesota through efforts like advocating for farmers, encouraging voter registration, and standing with communities after the killings of Philando Castile, George Floyd, and Daunte Wright.

He mobilized millions of voters, championed economic inclusion, and built multiracial coalitions to expand opportunity for working families and marginalized communities. His historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 broadened civic participation and inspired future generations of leaders, including Barack Obama. Reverend Jackson’s call to “keep hope alive” inspired generations and helped shape a global movement for dignity, unity, and human rights. 

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Reverend Jackson’s life and legacy. The Governor’s proclamation can be found here. 

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[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Shireen Gandhi to serve as commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

Gandhi has served as the temporary human services commissioner since February 2025. During that time, she led work to root out Medicaid fraud and strengthen program integrity.  

“Commissioner Gandhi understands that protecting public programs and delivering high-quality care go hand in hand,” said Governor Walz. “Over the past year, she has demonstrated steady, decisive leadership at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, strengthening program integrity, rooting out fraud, and ensuring taxpayer dollars reach the Minnesotans who rely on these services. Shireen brings the experience and accountability needed to safeguard vital services while building a system Minnesotans can trust.” 

Under Gandhi’s leadership, the department set an aggressive course on program integrity, including bringing in a new inspector general. The department expanded the use of data analytics to identify program vulnerabilities, evidence of fraudulent activities and potentially suspicious patterns of billing. Based on the data, Minnesota tightened oversight of high-risk Medicaid businesses – adding fingerprint background studies for owners, requiring an external review of claims before payments are made, instituting a pause on enrolling new businesses for some services and disenrolling inactive providers. By the end of May, state employees will have conducted on-site visits to revalidate more than 5,800 providers across the state. 

“We must protect the human services programs we provide to improve the lives of Minnesotans that have helped our state to be ranked among the best in the country for children and families, older adults, and people with disabilities.” Gandhi said. “As commissioner, I look forward to working with all partners across the human services system to make our state a national model for program integrity.” 

Gandhi’s appointment is effective February 23, 2026. 

About Shireen Gandhi
Gandhi joined the Minnesota Department of Human Services in 2017, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in health care to the agency. Prior to her temporary commissioner appointment, Gandhi served as a deputy commissioner overseeing budgeting and financial operations, agency operations strategy, and other agency operations. Since 2022, Gandhi has served on the Technology Advisory Council, which advises the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services.

Gandhi earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from Hamline University School of Law. She is active in the Minnesota State Bar Association and a past chair of its Health Law Section. She is also a member of the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association. 

About the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Minnesota Department of Human Services’ mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – counties, Tribes, and nonprofits – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The department’s vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities. The agency is responsible for providing health care coverage for approximately 1.2 million Minnesotans on Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance), including services for elders, people with disabilities and behavioral health needs, and those experiencing homelessness. 

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