The Trump administration has overturned long-standing policies that prevented U.S. immigration authorities from arresting undocumented immigrants in designated “sensitive areas,” including schools, churches, and hospitals.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the policy reversal on Tuesday, declaring that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would no longer be restricted from making arrests in these locations.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” DHS said in a statement. “The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement and instead trusts them to use common sense.”
Nationwide Expedited Deportations Resume
Alongside lifting the “sensitive areas” policy, DHS Acting Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a second directive reinstating nationwide “expedited removal.” This means ICE agents can now quickly deport any undocumented person who cannot prove they have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least two years.
The move is part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, with the Trump administration promising “mass deportations.” Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, confirmed that immigration raids would begin immediately.
“They’re going to do it throughout the country. We have offices everywhere, and every ICE officer is going to be out there enforcing the law starting tomorrow morning,” Homan said.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact
Immigrant rights advocates have strongly criticized the new measures, warning of severe consequences for families, including U.S. citizen children.
“This action could have devastating consequences for immigrant families and their children, deterring them from receiving medical attention, seeking out disaster relief, attending school, and carrying out everyday activities,” the Center for Law and Social Policy said in a statement.
The organization also expressed concern that children could witness their parents being detained or arrested near schools and other community spaces.
During an inaugural prayer service on Tuesday, the Episcopal bishop of Washington directly appealed to Trump, urging him to “have mercy upon” immigrants and marginalized communities.
Despite growing opposition, the administration remains firm on its stance, reinforcing its commitment to enforcing immigration laws nationwide.
