U.S. Lifts Ban on Immigration Raids in Churches, Hospitals, Schools

The U.S. government has lifted restrictions on immigration arrests at locations previously considered off-limits, allowing authorities to detain migrants in churches, hospitals, and schools once again. The policy change, announced by the Trump administration, reverses regulations that had been in place since 2011 and were further expanded under President Joe Biden.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the move, stating that “criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.” The administration emphasized its commitment to enforcing immigration laws without restrictions on law enforcement.

In addition to lifting the ban on sensitive location arrests, a second directive reinstates the policy of expedited deportations. Under this rule, undocumented individuals who cannot prove they have lived in the U.S. for more than two years may now be quickly removed from the country.