United States immigration and border officials can now arrest migrants at “sensitive” locations following the Trump administration’s decision to overturn policies that previously restricted such actions.
This move ends a practice in place since 2011 and further expanded under the Biden administration.
Under the new policy, officers are authorised to make arrests at locations traditionally considered sensitive, including houses of worship, schools, and hospitals. The change aims to remove previous limitations on law enforcement activities in these areas.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the Department of Homeland Security 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.”
The policy change is accompanied by a second directive, which reinstates the ability to swiftly deport undocumented individuals who are arrested and cannot prove they have been in the U.S. for more than two years. This measure is expected to streamline deportation processes and enhance border control efforts.
The Trump administration has framed the changes as necessary steps to empower law enforcement and curb illegal immigration. Critics of the decision have raised concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable communities and the disruption of trust between immigrants and local institutions like schools and churches.