Ending Safeguards for Schools, Hospitals, and Churches from ICE

In his first days in office, President Trump reversed a long-standing policy that prevented immigration enforcement agents from arresting undocumented people at or near so-called sensitive locations, including schools, hospitals, places of worship. By doing so, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded authority to arrest migrants across the country by any means necessary.

The policy to protect these spaces from immigration enforcement was first introduced in 2011 and continued throughout the first Trump Administration. Bipartisan support for the policy reflected not only a benefit to undocumented immigrants, but also to the wider community. “No one should have to worry about their safety when going to the doctor, picking up their kids at school, or practicing their faith,” said ICS Executive Director Frank Garcia. “That’s why both political parties have recognized the importance of preventing immigration enforcement from operating in these sensitive spaces for years.”

The policy also reflected a careful balance in immigration enforcement. Even with these restrictions, ICE agents remained able to make arrests in these sensitive locations only under certain conditions—such as a national security concern or an imminent risk of death or physical harm. However, these actions required greater oversight and reporting, helping protect against abuses of power by enforcement agents.

The Trump Administration’s reversal will likely increase policing of immigrant communities, as well as all communities of color and all people accessing services from these previously protected locations. “This is a direct threat to immigrants, to teachers, to health care workers, and to faith leaders,” noted Garcia. “No one should encounter this level of potential harassment or policing in their workplace, or simply because they need the services offered at these locations.”

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Please note that this information is general guidance and not legal advice. For legal advice, request a consultation from ICS or speak to an immigration attorney today.