Trump Administration Reverses Policy, Allows ICE Arrests at Schools and Churches

Jan 21, 2025, 10:20 PM

President Donald Trump's administration has reversed longstanding policies, in place since 2011, limiting immigration enforcement at sensitive locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals. The Department of Homeland Security announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are now authorized to make arrests in or near these locations, marking a departure from previous practices to avoid so-called 'sensitive areas.' Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive stating that "criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest." The change allows ICE agents to carry out enforcement actions in places previously considered protected, such as educational institutions and places of worship.