U.S. immigration and border officials are set to resume arrests of migrants in designated “sensitive” locations, such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals, following a reversal of previous policies that limited such actions.
This change comes after the Trump administration reinstated authority that had been restricted since 2011. The Biden administration had previously expanded these regulations to further curtail enforcement powers in these areas.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that this policy aims to prevent criminals from evading law enforcement by seeking refuge in places typically considered safe. The administration expressed confidence in law enforcement's ability to exercise discretion in these sensitive situations.
Additionally, the new directive reintroduces “expedited removal,” enabling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to swiftly deport undocumented individuals who cannot demonstrate two years of continuous residence in the country.
Tom Homan, a senior official involved in border policy, confirmed that ICE agents would commence nationwide operations to enforce these changes without specifying the locations of upcoming raids.
