In a major policy shift, the Trump administration has granted U.S. immigration authorities the authority to carry out arrests in sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals. The change, announced on January 22, 2025, marks a reversal of long-standing protections that previously prevented Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting enforcement actions in these areas.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), emphasized that the policy change was necessary to prevent individuals from evading arrest by seeking refuge in places considered “off-limits.” DHS Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman defended the decision, stating that it would ensure criminals no longer use sensitive areas like schools and churches to avoid enforcement actions.
“The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense,” DHS said in a statement.
The new directive also reintroduces the practice of expedited removal, which allows ICE to swiftly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have resided in the U.S. for more than two years. This policy is part of a broader immigration crackdown that includes actions to suspend the refugee system, restrict access to a popular app used for illegal entry, and strengthen cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies.
Advocacy groups and religious leaders have quickly condemned the changes. The Center for Law and Social Policy expressed concern about the impact on immigrant families, particularly those with U.S.-born children, warning that the new policies could deter families from seeking medical care, education, or disaster relief. In addition, the group feared that these changes would lead to traumatic encounters between immigration officials and children.
Religious leaders, including the Episcopal bishop of Washington, have also voiced strong opposition, calling on the administration to show compassion toward vulnerable populations, including immigrants.
The policy changes come amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration laws and enforce stricter border controls. These new actions are expected to lead to increased ICE operations across the nation, with a focus on arresting and deporting undocumented individuals. The administration’s move is set to spark ongoing debates about the balance between national security and the protection of immigrant communities in the U.S.
