In a bold move, President Trump has authorized ICE to conduct raids in once-protected zones like schools and churches, ending over a decade of restrictions. Immigrant families brace for the impact as advocacy groups and religious leaders voice strong opposition.
In a controversial move that has sent shockwaves across immigrant communities, United States President Donald Trump has granted immigration officers the authority to conduct arrests in schools, churches, and hospitals. This policy reversal dismantles more than a decade of restrictions that designated these “sensitive areas” as off-limits for enforcement.
Announcing the policy change, a spokesperson for US immigration authorities stated, “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
The decision aligns with Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which has drawn fierce criticism from advocacy groups, religious leaders, and opposition lawmakers.
Upon assuming office as the 47th US President, Trump signed executive orders aimed at strengthening border security, suspending the refugee system, and blocking access to immigration facilitation apps. As part of the new directives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been mobilized for nationwide operations to apprehend and deport undocumented individuals.
Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed border czar, confirmed that these efforts would begin immediately. “ICE officers are ready to enforce immigration laws across the country,” Homan stated in a recent interview.
Advocacy organizations, including the Centre for Law and Social Policy, have condemned the policy. They warn that it could deter immigrant families from seeking essential services like healthcare and education while exposing children to traumatic encounters with law enforcement.
Religious leaders have also spoken out, calling the policy inhumane. During a sermon at an inaugural prayer service, the Episcopal bishop of Washington appealed for compassion, urging the administration to reconsider the impact on vulnerable populations.
Several Democrat-led states have filed lawsuits challenging Trump’s immigration policies. The legal challenges focus on the erosion of protections for immigrant families and the potential for human rights violations.
As the nation grapples with the implications of this sweeping policy shift, immigrant families brace for an uncertain future. Critics argue that targeting schools, churches, and hospitals not only disrupts communities but also violates fundamental principles of humanity and justice.