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Immigration

Warning to undocumented immigrants: ICE authorized to arrest people in churches and schools

Trump’s administration reinstates controversial measures, including ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, and ends safeguards for “so-called ‘sensitive’ areas.”

Trump unfreezes ICE’s ability to arrest people in churches and schools
Jose Luis GonzalezREUTERS

In a sweeping policy shift under President Donald Trump’s second term, undocumented immigrants can now face arrest in previously protected areas like churches and schools. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the rollback of the Biden administration’s restrictions on enforcement in sensitive locations, raising alarm among immigrant communities and advocacy groups nationwide.

Interim DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued directives allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to operate in or near these locations. The move dismantles policies designed to shield immigrants in spaces traditionally considered off-limits for enforcement, such as religious institutions and educational facilities.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in the CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens-including murderers and rapists-who have illegally come into our country,” Huffman stated. ”Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trust them to use common sense.

Rollback of humanitarian protections

In addition to lifting restrictions on sensitive locations, the new directives eliminate certain humanitarian parole programs. The case-by-case evaluation system for immigration parole will be reinstated, phasing out broader discretionary programs deemed non-compliant with existing laws. Critics argue this measure complicates the ability of vulnerable immigrants to find legal pathways to remain in the United States.

‘Remain in Mexico’ policy reinstated

Another controversial Trump-era policy, the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as “Remain in Mexico,” has been reinstated with immediate effect. This program forces asylum seekers, regardless of nationality, to remain in Mexico while awaiting resolution of their immigration cases in U.S. courts—a process that can take months or even years.

The policy has faced criticism for exposing migrants to unsafe conditions at the border and denying them their legal right to seek asylum in the United States. Advocacy organizations have warned that vulnerable populations, including children, are particularly at risk under the reinstated protocols.

Migrants check their phones while gathering at El Chaparral border crossing after their CBP One app asylum appointment was cancelled on the day of US President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025.
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Migrants check their phones while gathering at El Chaparral border crossing after their CBP One app asylum appointment was cancelled on the day of US President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025.Jorge DuenesREUTERS

CBP One app terminated

In another blow to asylum seekers, the administration has discontinued the use of the CBP One mobile app, which had streamlined the process for migrants to request asylum legally. Effective immediately, appointments made through the app have been canceled, further complicating the path for those seeking refuge.

Original article written by Corina González, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.

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