Case: Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (filing fee $ 405, receipt number AMNDC-12714967) filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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(Text-Only) CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Jerry W. Blackwell per Civil (3rd, 4th - Civil Rights) list, referred to Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz. Please use case number 26-cv-1576 (JWB/DTS).Notice: All Nongovernmental Corporate Parties must file a Rule 7.1 Corporate Disclosure Statement. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Summons Issued as to Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

MEMORANDUM in Support re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 2 Exhibit(s) 1, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 3 Exhibit(s) A - Declaration of Father Collins, SJ, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 4 Exhibit(s) B - Declaration of Bishop Jennifer Nagel, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 5 Exhibit(s) C - Declaration of Rev. Melissa Gonzalez, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 6 Exhibit(s) D - Declaration of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, DOCUMENT FILED IN ERROR//# 7 Exhibit(s) E - Declaration of Rev. Susie Hayward)(Westbrook, Erin) Modified text on 2/23/2026 (ACH). (Entered: 02/23/2026)

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 4 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

EXHIBIT 1 re 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Declaration in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Declaration of Bishop Jennifer Nagel in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Declaration of Rev. Melissa Gonzalez in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Declaration of Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

Declaration of Rev. Susie Hayward in Support of 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

(Text-Only) Notice re: Non-Admitted AttorneyWe have received documents listing Maxwell Bremer as counsel of record. If he or she wishes to be listed as an attorney of record in this case, he or she must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (a), (b) and (c) or temporarily admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (d) or (e).For more admissions information and forms, please see the Attorney Forms Section of the courts website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. (ABR) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation owning 10 percent or more of its stock, or any subsidiaries to report for Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. There is no parent corporation, publicly held corporation owning 10 percent or more of its stock, or any subsidiaries to report for Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Date and time to be determined. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/23/2026)

ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEET AND CONFER, AND DIRECTING EVIDENTIARY SUBMISSIONS. (See Order for Complete Details.) Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 2/25/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

NOTICE of Appearance by David W Fuller on behalf of Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Fuller, David) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

AFFIDAVIT of Service by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 15 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 3 Summons Issued, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested, 10 Declaration in Support, 16 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 12 Declaration in Support, 9 Declaration in Support, 8 Exhibit, 11 Declaration in Support, 13 Declaration in Support, 7 Meet and Confer Statement, 5 Proposed Order to Judge, 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, 1 Complaint, 17 Notice of Hearing on Motion upon U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

AFFIDAVIT of Service by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 15 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 3 Summons Issued, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested, 10 Declaration in Support, 16 Rule 7.1 - Disclosure Statement, 12 Declaration in Support, 9 Declaration in Support, 8 Exhibit, 11 Declaration in Support, 13 Declaration in Support, 7 Meet and Confer Statement, 5 Proposed Order to Judge, 6 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,, 1 Complaint, 17 Notice of Hearing on Motion via Certified Mail upon U.S. Attorney General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, U.S. Federal Protective Service, and Faron K. Paramore (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 7A (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 02/26/2026)

(Text-Only) NOTICE of Resetting of Hearing: Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. THIS IS A COURTROOM LOCATION CHANGE ONLY. (CRD) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine S Barrett Wiik on behalf of Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Barrett Wiik, Katherine) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/13/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 26 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

Amicus Curiae APPEARANCE entered by Martin S Chester on behalf of Right Reverend Craig Loya, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Jewish Community Action, Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Minnesota Council of Churches. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Adam Garnick. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766397 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Katherine Michelle Marquart. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766399 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Katherine Janes. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766424 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Lauren Rosenblum Goldman. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766436 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Mark J. Cherry. Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AMNDC-12766446 filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION : Date and time to be determined. (Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MEMORANDUM in Support re 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

Declaration of Martin Chester in Support of 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C, # 4 Exhibit(s) D, # 5 Exhibit(s) E, # 6 Exhibit(s) F, # 7 Exhibit(s) G, # 8 Exhibit(s) H, # 9 Exhibit(s) I)(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 34 Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae, filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya.(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 34 MOTION to Appear as Amicus Curiae LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION filed by Bishop Kevin Kenney, First Universalist Church, Jewish Community Action, Minnesota Council of Churches, Rabbi Harold Kravitz, Reverend Ben Connelly, Reverend Jen Crow, Right Reverend Craig Loya.(Chester, Martin) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

STATUS REPORT JOINT STATUS REPORT by Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 26 MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/07/2026)

AMENDED BRIEFING SCHEDULE. (See Order for Complete Details.) Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/9/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 30 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Katherine Michelle Marquart for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 31 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Katharine Mary Janes for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 32 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Lauren R. Goldman for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

THIRD AMENDED NOTICE of Hearing on Motion: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested : Motion Hearing set for 3/20/2026 at 10:00 AM in Edward J. Devitt Courtroom (STP) before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell. (Westbrook, Erin) Modified text on 3/11/2026 (ABR). (Entered: 03/11/2026)

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 29 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Adam J. Garnick for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, and, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

(Text-Only) ORDER granting 33 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Mark J. Cherry for Bishop Kevin Kenney, for First Universalist Church, for Jewish Community Action, for Minnesota Council of Churches, for Rabbi Harold Kravitz, for Reverend Ben Connelly, for Reverend Jen Crow, for Right Reverend Craig Loya. Approved by Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz on 3/11/2026. (CNO) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

STATUS REPORT UPDATED JOINT STATUS REPORT by Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Walcker, Chelsea) (Entered: 03/12/2026)

NOTICE by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement re 42 Order on Motion for Extension of Time (Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

(Text Only) TEXT ORDER. Upon review of the Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae (Doc. No. 34), the Motion is GRANTED, and the Proposed Amicus Curiae Brief (Doc. No. 37-1) is ACCEPTED as providing timely and useful information. The amicus curiae may not file a reply brief or participate in oral argument without court permission. Plaintiffs and Defendants may address any of the matters raised in the amicus brief in their forthcoming written submissions on Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Signed by Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/13/2026. (CRD) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

Order on Motion to Appear as Amicus Curiae

RESPONSE re 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

DECLARATION of Tauria Rich re 52 Response, by Marcos Charles, David Easterwood, Todd Lyons, Kristi Noem, Faron K. Paramore, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Protective Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement . (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) 1, # 2 Exhibit(s) 2)(Fuller, David) (Entered: 03/16/2026)

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REPLY re 52 Response, 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate

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LR7.1/LR72.2 WORD COUNT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ re 54 Reply, filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.(Westbrook, Erin) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

(Text-Only) MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell on 3/20/2026: Oral Arguments Motion Hearing.Court Reporter: Lori MorrowSt. Paul Courthouse, Courtroom Edward J. Devitt CourtroomTime: 10:07 am - 11:10 amTotal Time: 1 hour 3 minutesAPPEARANCES:For Plaintiff(s): Erin E. Westbrook; Irina Vaynerman; Kaitlin YiraFor Defendant(s): Daivd W. Fuller; Joseph Teirb PROCEEDINGS: Hearing on: 4 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction - Expedited Handling Requested filed by Christopher Collins, SJ, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Written order to be issued. (CRD) (Entered: 03/20/2026)

Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Notice (Other)