Trump ends ban of migrant arrests at schools, hospitals and churches

Immigration authorities in the United States will now be permitted to make arrests at schools, hospitals and churches following the Trump administration’s reversal of long-standing “sensitive areas” policies.

The policy change, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), overturns decade-old restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection operations.

“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”.

Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued two directives on Tuesday. The second reinstates nationwide “expedited removal”, allowing ICE to swiftly deport undocumented persons who cannot prove at least two years of continuous residence in the country.

The measures form part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which includes restricting access to an entry-facilitating application, suspending the refugee system, and promoting increased cooperation between ICE and state and local governments.

Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, announced that immigration agents would begin nationwide enforcement operations on Tuesday. “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,” he said.

Critics warned of serious consequences from the policy shift.

The Center for Law and Social Policy said the move could deter immigrant families from seeking medical care, disaster relief or education, adding that children might witness parents being detained by ICE agents.

The announcement came hours before the Episcopal bishop of Washington urged Trump during an inaugural prayer service to show mercy towards immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.