President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. immigration authorities to carry out raids on schools, churches, and hospitals as part of an aggressive effort to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants.
This policy shift comes amidst a series of executive orders and has raised concerns both domestically and internationally, particularly in countries like Nigeria.
Previously, certain locations such as schools, churches, and hospitals were considered “sensitive areas” where enforcement actions were restricted.
However, Trump’s new directive reverses these policies, giving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) more authority to arrest individuals in these spaces.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the statement on Tuesday, detailing the change and emphasizing the need to eliminate any sanctuary spaces where individuals might evade arrest.
Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman explained that the new policy would empower ICE officers to act without restrictions, ensuring criminals cannot hide in places like schools and churches to avoid deportation.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the statement read.
“The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement officers and trusts them to use common sense.”
The directive also includes a nationwide reinstatement of expedited removal procedures, which allow ICE to quickly deport individuals unable to prove continuous residence in the U.S. for over two years.
This aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration laws and reduce the number of undocumented immigrants in the country.
In addition to these changes, Trump signed several executive orders this week, including one to suspend the refugee system and block access to an app that facilitates U.S. entry.
The administration also aims to strengthen collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement agencies.
ICE officials have confirmed that operations to arrest and deport undocumented individuals will begin immediately.
Tom Homan, the president’s border czar, stated that ICE officers would be actively enforcing immigration laws across the nation.
However, these policies have drawn criticism from various advocacy groups.
The Center for Law and Social Policy expressed concerns over the negative impact on immigrant families, particularly those with children who are U.S. citizens.
They worry that families may be discouraged from seeking essential services like medical care, disaster relief, and education due to fear of deportation.
Religious leaders have also condemned the move.
At an inaugural prayer service, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington called on the administration to show greater compassion toward immigrants and vulnerable communities.
