In a controversial move, the Trump administration has granted immigration agents the authority to arrest individuals in sensitive locations, including schools, churches, and hospitals. This policy reversal ends over a decade of protections that kept these areas off-limits for enforcement actions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this change, emphasizing the need to eliminate safe spaces for individuals avoiding arrest. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches,” the statement declared, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to strict immigration enforcement.
Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman also reinstated expedited removal nationwide, allowing ICE to swiftly deport undocumented individuals unable to prove continuous residence in the U.S. for over two years.
This directive is part of a broader crackdown, coinciding with the president signing multiple executive actions aimed at suspending the refugee system and enhancing ICE’s cooperation with local governments. ICE agents are set to launch nationwide operations to arrest and deport undocumented individuals.
The new policies have sparked strong backlash. Advocacy groups warn of devastating effects on immigrant families, particularly those with U.S.-citizen children, fearing that these changes could deter families from seeking medical care and education, while increasing the likelihood of traumatic encounters with immigration officials.
Religious leaders, including the Episcopal bishop of Washington, have called for compassion towards immigrants, urging the administration to reconsider its stance on vulnerable populations.
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