Trump Authorizes Immigration Arrests at Schools, Churches, Hospitals, Targeting Criminal Aliens

Jan 22, 2025, 10:18 AM

The Trump administration has authorized federal immigration authorities to conduct arrests of migrants at previously protected locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive on Monday that rescinds guidelines established by the Biden administration in 2021, which had barred federal officers from making arrests in these 'sensitive' areas. The Department of Homeland Security stated that this action empowers law enforcement to enforce immigration laws and apprehend criminal aliens, asserting that 'criminals will no longer be able to hide in America's schools and churches to avoid arrest.' This policy shift is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to expand immigration enforcement, including the reinstatement of the 'Remain in Mexico' policy and the termination of a humanitarian parole program that allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the U.S. legally.