President Donald Trump’s administration has lifted restrictions that protected schools, churches, and hospitals from immigration enforcement. This policy change gives immigration agents the power to arrest undocumented individuals at these locations, ending a long-standing rule that classified them as “sensitive areas.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced the new directive. Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman stated that the policy aims to prevent individuals from using such locations to avoid arrest.
The new rule also brings back expedited removal nationwide. Under this policy, ICE can quickly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have lived in the U.S. for more than two years.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense,” the DHS statement said.
This policy is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. The president recently signed executive orders to suspend refugee programmes, block access to immigration assistance apps, and improve cooperation between ICE and local governments.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, confirmed that nationwide raids would begin immediately. He said ICE officers across the country are ready to enforce the new policies.
Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact on immigrant families. The Centre for Law and Social Policy warned that the policy could prevent families from seeking medical care, disaster aid, and education. They also noted the emotional trauma that children may face if they witness arrests in these locations.
Religious leaders have also spoken out. At a prayer service, the Episcopal bishop of Washington called on the administration to show compassion toward immigrants and vulnerable people.
