WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration has rolled back a policy that previously shielded schools, churches, and other sensitive locations from immigration enforcement, a move that has sparked concerns among immigrant communities and local governments. A new directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security now allows federal immigration authorities to conduct arrests in these locations, reversing guidelines that have been in place since 2011.
Part of an administration’s broader shift in immigration policy under Trump, the decision has tended to focus on increasing deportation efforts and limiting sanctuary protections. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE are now allowed to target undocumented immigrants in previously off-limits areas, including schools, hospitals, and churches unless there were special circumstances.
Immigrant rights groups and local officials have raised alarm over the change. Major cities, such as Chicago and New York, have reassured parents that their schools will remain safe havens for students regardless of immigration status. In California, however, some school districts reaffirmed their stance not to help ICE in enforcing actions.
The new policy is part of Trump’s long-term crackdown on illegal immigration which includes accelerating the pace of deportations and scaling back asylum claims. Immigrant advocates fear it will raise a level of fear and uncertainty within immigrant families with children in school.
The move comes after other immigration policy decisions by Trump. It is his broader agenda in immigration policy which also includes actions against sanctuary cities and more intense deportation measures in the country at large.
