St. Louis Archdiocese Sues Over Clergy Access to Immigration Detainees
October 5, 2026 — Court Watch / Religious Liberty.
The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis sued federal officials and a Missouri sheriff, alleging that immigration detainees at Saint Genevieve County Jail cannot meet privately with clergy or receive sacraments. The complaint says clergy visits are limited to a four-hour window on Mondays and take place by telephone through a glass partition.
The archdiocese says these conditions prevent priests from hearing confessions, celebrating Mass, and administering sacraments. It seeks clergy access comparable to that given to attorneys and consular officials.
Response and status: ICE’s public policy says clergy may visit detainees with notice to the sheriff’s office. The lawsuit alleges that this policy is not being enforced at the jail. Reuters reported that ICE, DHS, the jail and sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The suit is pending; the allegations have not been adjudicated.
Source: Reuters report