The Trump administration has authorized U.S. immigration and border officials to carry out arrests at locations previously considered off-limits, including schools, churches, and hospitals. This decision overturns long-standing policies from 2011 and further restrictions added during the Biden administration, which had prohibited such actions at these “sensitive” locations.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the move, emphasizing a tougher stance on immigration enforcement. “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,” DHS stated.
The change means Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers can now make arrests at places like houses of worship, medical facilities, and educational institutions, areas previously deemed off-limits to protect vulnerable populations. The new policy also reinstates “expedited removal,” allowing ICE to quickly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have lived in the U.S. for over two years.
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Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, confirmed that ICE agents would immediately begin nationwide operations under the new directives. “They’re going to do it throughout the country. We have offices throughout the country, and every ICE officer is going to be out there and enforce the law starting tomorrow morning,” Homan said.
The policy shift has sparked widespread debate. Supporters argue it strengthens immigration enforcement and ensures no location becomes a “safe haven” for individuals evading the law. Critics, however, warn the policy could instill fear among undocumented communities and disrupt critical services, particularly in schools and hospitals.