In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has ended more than a decade of restrictions that prohibited immigration authorities from conducting arrests in “sensitive areas” such as schools, churches, and hospitals.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the change on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to eliminate spaces where individuals could evade 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,” the DHS said in a statement, as reported by The Guardian.
The policy change, enacted by Acting DHS Secretary Benjamin Huffman, reinstates nationwide expedited removal procedures.
Under this directive, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can swiftly deport undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have resided in the United States continuously for more than two years.
This aligns with the administration’s broader immigration crackdown, which includes a series of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump this week.
The executive actions aim to suspend the refugee program, block access to mobile apps facilitating U.S. entry, and enhance cooperation between ICE and local governments.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed that ICE operations to arrest and deport undocumented individuals would begin immediately, underscoring the administration’s commitment to stricter immigration enforcement.
The policy shift has sparked outrage among advocacy groups and religious leaders. The Center for Law and Social Policy expressed concern about the severe consequences for immigrant families, particularly those with U.S.-citizen children.
The organization warned that the changes could discourage families from accessing medical care, education, and disaster relief, while increasing the likelihood of children witnessing traumatic interactions with immigration officials.
Religious leaders also criticized the policy, urging the administration to reconsider its approach. During a sermon at an inaugural prayer service, the Episcopal bishop of Washington called on officials to show compassion toward immigrants and vulnerable populations.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its aggressive immigration agenda, the decision to lift restrictions on sensitive areas has drawn sharp criticism for its potential to exacerbate fear and disrupt communities.
While officials argue the measures are necessary for national security, opponents warn of the lasting human impact on immigrant families.