In a move to enforce President Donald Trump’s immigration policy, US authorities have been granted the power to arrest individuals at schools, churches, and hospitals. This follows Trump’s decision to reverse previous policies that had designated these locations as off-limits for enforcement, ending over a decade of protections for these “sensitive areas.”

US immigration officials stated, “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”

This policy shift aligns with the broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which began with several executive orders signed after his inauguration. These included measures to suspend the refugee system, block access to an app used for entry into the US, and strengthen cooperation between ICE and local authorities. ICE agents are set to conduct nationwide operations targeting undocumented individuals.

Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, confirmed in a recent interview that ICE officers across the country would be actively enforcing immigration laws, with operations beginning immediately.

Advocacy groups have strongly opposed the new policies, with the Centre for Law and Social Policy warning of negative consequences for immigrant families, especially those with US-citizen children. The organization raised concerns that the changes might deter families from seeking medical care, education, or disaster relief and could lead to children witnessing traumatic encounters with immigration officials.

Religious leaders have also criticized the policy. At an inaugural prayer service, the Episcopal bishop of Washington called on the administration to show compassion toward immigrants and vulnerable groups.

JOINTEARN reports that President Trump remains committed to deporting criminal aliens in the US. Meanwhile, several states with Democratic leadership have taken legal action against his immigration policies.