In a significant change to immigration enforcement policies, U.S. immigration and border officials will now be allowed to make arrests in locations previously designated as “sensitive,” including churches, mosques, schools, and hospitals.
This decision overturns long-standing policies introduced in 2011 that sought to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure access to essential services without fear of immigration enforcement. Under President Biden, these protections were further expanded to restrict immigration arrests in such locations.
However, the Department of Homeland Security defended the new policy as necessary for law enforcement. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a DHS statement said. Officials emphasized that officers are trusted to exercise discretion and act responsibly in these situations.
Additionally, a directive has been reinstated to expedite deportations, enabling immigration authorities to quickly remove undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have lived in the United States for at least two years.
The policy shift has sparked debate, with critics warning it may deter undocumented individuals from accessing crucial services, while supporters argue it strengthens enforcement and prevents misuse of sensitive locations as sanctuaries.
