Trump To Remove ICE Restrictions, End Protections For…

Trump To Remove ICE Restrictions, End Protections For Immigrant Arrests At Sensitive Locations

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to remove a long-standing policy that stops Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting undocumented individuals from sensitive places like churches, schools, hospitals, and events like funerals, weddings and public protests.

Currently, ICE agents need supervisor approval before making arrests in these areas, but this requirement may soon end, according to sources, NBC News reported.

The decision aims to give ICE more power to arrest undocumented migrants quickly and across the country. This aligns with Trump's goal of launching what he has called the "largest deportation operation in American history."

The policy change could end the practice of people seeking deportation protection by living in sensitive locations like churches. In 2019, at least 46 individuals across 15 states stayed in churches for sanctuary, according to a faith-based organization tracking such cases.

The policy that limits arrest in sensitive locations began in 2011 under ICE Director John Morton. It continued through both Trump's and Biden's administrations. The policy was designed to let undocumented individuals move freely in certain public spaces, benefiting both them and the wider community.

In 2021, the Biden administration expanded the list of areas requiring special protection.

Immigration enforcement has always required a careful balance. Experts, including those from the American Civil Liberties Union, have pointed out that while making arrests at places like hospitals and schools may be legal, it is not necessarily humane or wise.

Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, warned that such policies could discourage people with contagious illnesses from seeking medical care or prevent children from receiving an education due to fear of deportation.

During Trump's first administration, ICE data showed that there were at least 63 planned arrests and five urgent arrests near sensitive locations between Oct. 1, 2017, and Oct. 31, 2020.

Project 2025, a list of policy ideas shared by the Heritage Foundation before the election, mentioned the possibility of ICE agents making arrests without restrictions, even inside schools and places of worship.

Some church leaders, who have experienced harassment for offering sanctuary to migrants, are now discussing how a change in policy might affect sensitive locations. A deacon at a church in Arizona said, "A lot of churches, faith communities are very concerned that there could be backlash."

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here