Trump Administration’s 2025 “Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas” Directive
The Department of Homeland Security lifts prior protections at schools, churches, and hospitals, allowing ICE and CBP to conduct broader enforcement actions without pre-approval. This policy change marks a significant shift in immigration enforcement strategy.
On January 20, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive titled "Enforcement Actions in or Near Protected Areas," which rescinded previous guidelines that limited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, churches, hospitals, and other areas where individuals access essential services. This change empowers U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to conduct enforcement actions in or near these locations without prior approval.
The previous guidance, established in 2021, designated certain locations as "protected areas" to ensure individuals could access essential services without fear of enforcement actions. The new directive emphasizes that officers should use their discretion and common sense when conducting enforcement actions but removes the explicit protections previously in place.
This policy shift aligns with the administration's broader strategy to enhance immigration enforcement and remove perceived constraints on law enforcement activities. Critics express concern that this change may deter individuals from seeking essential services or participating in important activities due to fear of enforcement actions in these previously protected locations.