For years, undocumented immigrants have held onto the knowledge that — while no place is ever completely safe — places like schools, hospitals and houses of worship have been much less likely to face raids from either Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
That changed on January 21, when Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement announcing that the administration has rescinded guidelines that previously deterred immigration police from conducting raids in locations considered “sensitive” or “protected.”
Immigrant Communities Prepare for Increased Raids
There had been warning: A mid-December report from NBC News sent shock waves through immigrant communities and prompted advocates and activists to begin strategizing about ways to protect their friends, family members and neighbors.
For 14 years, policies had largely deterred immigration police from conducting arrests in such places. DHS first issued guidelines in 2011 aimed at deterring ICE from conducting arrests or searches in limited sensitive locations without prior approval, barring “exigent circumstances.” A decade later, in October 2021, DHS issued new guidelines.
This replacement memorandum expanded the number of sensitive locations, and told ICE and CBP to avoid sites, including pre-schools, K-12 classrooms, vocational and trade schools, before-and-after-school programs, colleges, universities, hospitals, doctors’ offices, vaccination and testing sites, urgent care facilities, and more.
Community Responses to the Policy Changes
As the Trump administration rescinds previous protective policies, communities are mobilizing to protect vulnerable populations. Organizations like Church World Service (CWS) are providing resources and support to immigrants.
Religious institutions are also stepping up to offer sanctuary to those at risk of deportation. First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans and Christ Lutheran Church in Harrisburg are examples of religious organizations providing support regardless of immigration status.
Protecting Patients in Hospitals
Health care providers are working to ensure that patients, regardless of immigration status, receive the care they need. Medical institutions are implementing policies to protect patient information and provide a safe environment for all.
Schools as Safe Havens
School districts like Los Angeles Unified and Dade County are affirming their commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students, regardless of immigration status. Educators are receiving training on how to support students and families in the face of potential raids.
