Trump Orders Immigration Raids on Schools, Churches, and Hospitals

President Donald Trump has authorized immigration raids on schools, churches, and hospitals to detain and deport undocumented immigrants across the United States.

The decision, part of a series of nearly 100 executive actions, has sparked international concerns, particularly in Nigeria and other nations. The new directive reverses long-standing policies that designated these locations as “sensitive areas” off-limits for immigration enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the policy change, emphasizing the need to eliminate safe spaces where undocumented individuals could evade arrest.

“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump Administration trusts our law enforcement officers to use common sense,” read the DHS statement, as reported by *The Guardian*.

The policy empowers Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to swiftly deport individuals unable to prove continuous residence in the U.S. for more than two years.

This shift aligns with the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown. New executive orders also suspend the refugee system, block access to tools facilitating U.S. entry, and enhance collaboration between ICE and local governments.

Nationwide enforcement operations are set to begin immediately. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, confirmed that ICE officers across the country are actively enforcing the new measures.

Advocacy groups have condemned the policy, citing devastating impacts on immigrant families, particularly those with U.S.-born children. The Center for Law and Social Policy has warned of the far-reaching consequences for vulnerable communities.