Trump Administration Reverses 2011 Policy, Allows Immigration Arrests at Schools and Churches

Jan 21, 2025, 10:05 PM

The Trump administration has reversed longstanding policies, in place since 2011, that limited immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, churches, hospitals, and shelters. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday that immigration agents are now permitted to make arrests at or near these locations, with Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman stating that officers are expected to use "common sense." This change marks a departure from prior guidelines that designated these sites as "protected areas." The action is part of the administration's efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and address irregular migration.