St. Louis diocese sues over clergy access to immigration detainees

The Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis sued federal officials and a Missouri sheriff in federal court on Monday, alleging that immigration detainees at Saint Genevieve County Jail cannot speak privately with priests or receive sacraments.

The lawsuit says clergy may visit only during a four-hour Monday window and must speak with detainees by phone through a glass partition. It asks the court to give clergy the same access as consular officials and attorneys. The archdiocese said about 150 immigration detainees are held at the facility.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement says clergy may visit at any time if they notify the sheriff’s office. The lawsuit alleges ICE is not enforcing that policy; the agencies and local officials named did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read the full story at ksl.com.