In a drastic policy shift, the Trump administration has overturned long-standing guidelines that restricted immigration authorities from making arrests at sensitive locations such as churches, schools, and hospitals. The move comes as part of President Donald Trump’s wider crackdown on immigration, which also includes cutting off access to entry apps, suspending the refugee system, and promoting greater cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) and local governments.
For over a decade, Ice and Customs and Border Protection agents were prohibited from enforcement actions at these “sensitive areas.” But in a statement, the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both agencies, declared that “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 asserted. The directive enabling arrests at sensitive locations was one of two issued by the acting DHS secretary.
Expedited Removal Reinstated Nationwide
The second directive immediately reinstates “expedited removal” authority nationwide. This allows Ice to swiftly deport any undocumented immigrant arrested anywhere in the country who cannot prove they have been in the US continuously for more than two years, without due process.
Administration Vows Immediate Mass Deportation Raids
Trump administration officials have vowed to waste no time in launching mass deportation roundups across the United States. In an interview, Trump’s border czar Tom Homan said Ice agents will “fan out across the country” starting Tuesday morning to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants, though he did not specify locations.
“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 stated.
Immigrant Advocates Warn of Devastating Consequences
Advocacy groups are sounding the alarm over the Trump administration’s move to allow arrests at sensitive locations, warning it could deter immigrant families from accessing essential services and carrying out everyday activities.
“This action could have devastating consequences for immigrant families and their children, including US citizen children, deterring them from receiving medical attention, seeking out disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities,” cautioned the Center for Law and Social Policy.
The organization also noted that the increased likelihood of children witnessing a parent’s arrest or other encounters with Ice agents near sensitive locations could be deeply traumatic.
Episcopal Bishop Appeals to Trump for Mercy
During an inaugural prayer service sermon, the Episcopal bishop of Washington made an impassioned plea directly to President Trump, urging him to “have mercy upon” migrants and LGBTQ+ people as his administration ramps up its hardline immigration agenda.
As the Trump administration moves full steam ahead with mass deportations and draconian immigration policies, immigrant families and advocates brace for heart-wrenching impacts on communities across the nation. With enforcement actions now able to take place in once-protected spaces of sanctuary, an atmosphere of heightened fear and uncertainty looms over the days ahead.
